Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion—Current Evidence and Future Directions

Abstract

Over the past two decades, percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has proven to be a viable alternative to oral anticoagulation (OAC) for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), in particular in those patients who are at increased risk for stroke and bleeding complications. This systematic review provides a comprehensive evaluation of anatomical features, patient selection, procedural planning and execution, complications, medical treatment following the procedure, and contemporary outcome data.

Keywords

• left atrial appendage occlusion
• atrial fibrillation
• anticoagulation
• ischemic stroke
• percutaneous closure