Atrial fibrillation increases stroke risk by a factor of 5, prompting efforts to develop alternative treatment strategies like left atrial appendage occlusion to overcome warfarin's limitations.
More than 3 million Americans have atrial fibrillation, which increases their risk of stroke by a factor of 5.1,2 Patients with atrial fibrillation account for one of every six strokes, and thromboemboli originating from the left atrial appendage are the suspected culprit in the vast majority of these cases.1,2 Warfarin, a vitamin K antagonist, is the most commonly prescribed treatment for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation; yet despite warfarin's proven benefit, its effective delivery is challenged by a narrow therapeutic window and an increased risk of bleeding. Efforts have been made to develop alternative treatment strategies . . .
William H. Maisel (Thu,) conducted a editorial in Atrial fibrillation. Left atrial appendage occlusion vs. Warfarin was evaluated. Atrial fibrillation increases stroke risk by a factor of 5, prompting efforts to develop alternative treatment strategies like left atrial appendage occlusion to overcome warfarin's limitations.