Abstract
Stroke is the most feared complication of atrial fibrillation (AF). Targeting the left atrial appendage (LAA) mechanically is attractive as a means to simultaneously reduce stroke risk, the need for anticoagulation, and hemorrhagic complications in patients with non-valvular AF. The results of the PROTECT-AF and PREVAIL randomized clinical trials support this approach as a viable therapeutic alternative to warfarin in selected patients and add to accumulating evidence regarding the importance of the LAA in thromboembolism in AF. A number of devices for percutaneous LAA closure are under investigation or development. In this article, key design features of these ligation and exclusion technologies will be discussed, with a focus on aspects of LAA morphology, relational anatomy, thrombosis, and thromboembolism relevant for successful device development and deployment.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 61-70 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Journal of Atrial Fibrillation |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 2 |
State | Published - Aug 1 2015 |
Keywords
- Anatomy
- Device
- Exclusion
- Left Atrial Appendage
- Ligation
- Technology
- Thromboembolism
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine