ENDOVASCULAR METHODS FOR CLOSURE OF THE LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE IN PATIENTS WITH NONVALVULAR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION FOR STROKE PREVENTION

Abstract

The paper presents an update on endovascular methods for closure of the left atrial appendage in order to prevent thromboembolic events in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. It analyzes the results of occlusion devices as an alternative to longterm anticoagulant therapy from the standpoint of evidencebased medicine, advantages, and features of design and implantation of occlusion devices, such as Watchman, Amplatzer, WaveCrest, and Lariat system. Literature searching was carried out using the databases PubMed and Scopus.

Keywords

• atrial fibrillation
• left atrial appendage
• occlusion devices
• endovascular methods for closure of the left atrial appendage