Left atrial appendage occlusion

Prevention of stroke represents a goal of primary importance in health systems due to its associated mor-bidity and mortality. As several patient groups with increased stroke rates have been identified, multiple approaches have been developed and implemented: oral anticoagulation (OAC) for patients with atrial fibrillation, surgical and percutaneous revascularisation in patients with carotid disease, device closure for patients with patent foramen ovale, and now, left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for selected patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). The latter group of patients are the focus of this review which evaluates the pathophysiology, selection of patients, procedural performance, outcomes of treatment both during and post-procedure, adjunctive therapy, complications, and longer-term outcomes.

Automated summary

Prevention of stroke is crucial in health systems, and various methods have been developed for different patient groups. These methods include oral anticoagulation, revascularization procedures, device closure, and left atrial appendage occlusion.