Left Atrial Appendage Closure: A Current Overview Focused on Technical Aspects and Different Approaches

Abstract

Several studies in literature have shown that 90% of emboli related to non-valvular atrial fibrillation originate from left atrial appendage. Percutaneous closure or surgical exclusion of left atrial appendage in patients with high bleeding and high cardioembolic risk is currently a well established procedure in literature, clinical practice and guidelines. Knowledge of different techniques of left atrial appendage closure is necessary to individualize the procedure according to the patient anatomy and pre-procedural imaging evaluations. In this review the authors will evaluate different left atrial appendage closure systems and the different pre and intra procedural imaging methods.

Keywords

• left atrial appendage occlusion
• atrial fibrillation
• bleeding risk
• surgical left atrial appendage exclusion