Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion for the Prevention of Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Review and Critical Appraisal.

Author: Peter D SCHELLINGER ¹ ; Georgios TSIVGOULIS ; Thorsten STEINER ; Martin KÖHRMANN
Author Information

1. Department of Neurology and Neurogeriatry, Johannes Wesling Medical Center Minden, University Clinic RUB, Minden, Germany. peter.schellinger@muehlenkreiskliniken.de
Publication Type:Review
Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Stroke; Atrial appendage occlusion; Brain ischemia; Intracranial hemorrhage
MeSH: Atrial Appendage*; Atrial Fibrillation*; Brain Ischemia; Embolism; Hemorrhage; Humans; Intracranial Hemorrhages; Stroke*; United States Food and Drug Administration
From:Journal of Stroke 2018;20(3):281-291
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:English
Abstract: The authors review the current status of percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation with the goal to prevent ischemic stroke and systemic embolism and to reduce oral anticoagulation associated bleeding. While we cover the historical and also surgical background, and all tested devices, the main focus rests on the single currently U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved LAA occluder, the WATCHMAN device, and its approval process. The authors also give a critical appraisal beyond the review of mere facts, trying to put the current data into perspective.