Safety and Efficacy of Transcatheter Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Stroke Prevention in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is associated with a substantial risk of thromboembolic stroke. Although long-term treatment with warfarin or the non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants can reduce this risk, such therapy is underutilized, and safe and consistent long-term treatment can be challenging. Transcatheter left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is an emerging alternative to long-term oral anticoagulation. Long-term follow-up of randomized clinical trials demonstrate that Watchman LAA closure provides significant reductions in hemorrhagic stroke, cardiovascular death, and all-cause mortality compared with continued warfarin therapy.

Source: Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases - January 12, 2018 Category: Cardiology Authors: Matthew J. Price Source Type: research