Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device in Atrial Fibrillation

Michael C Giudici; Prashant D Bhave

doi:10.1016/j.ccl.2016.12.011

Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device in Atrial Fibrillation

Cardiol Clin. 2017 May;35(2):297-300. doi: 10.1016/j.ccl.2016.12.011.

Authors

Michael C Giudici¹, Prashant D Bhave²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. Electronic address: michael-c-giudici@uiowa.edu.
² Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.

PMID: 28411903
DOI: 10.1016/j.ccl.2016.12.011

Abstract

The relationship of stroke and atrial fibrillation seems to become more complex as we gain more knowledge of the issue. Recent studies have questioned the temporal relationship between the two, which also questions causation. Left atrial appendage closure is an attractive, but unproven technology when compared with the 50-year experience with warfarin. In a patient who is on warfarin and having no issues with bleeding, medication intolerance, or lack of efficacy, it is difficult to justify stopping the drug and placing a closure device as sole therapy to prevent a stroke.

Keywords: Anticoagulation; Embolic stroke; Left atrial appendage closure.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Atrial Appendage / surgery*
Atrial Fibrillation / complications
Atrial Fibrillation / surgery*
Cardiac Surgical Procedures / methods*
Humans
Intracranial Embolism / etiology
Intracranial Embolism / prevention & control*
Septal Occluder Device*
Treatment Outcome