Key result
Left atrial appendage occlusion for stroke prophylaxis is supported by limited randomized data and carries a risk of serious complications, which does not support its current widespread use.
Why the study?
Is left atrial appendage occlusion effective and safe for stroke prophylaxis in patients with atrial fibrillation and previous bleeding on oral anticoagulants?
Is left atrial appendage occlusion effective and safe for stroke prophylaxis in patients with atrial fibrillation and previous bleeding on oral anticoagulants?
This commentary cautions against the widespread use of LAAO, highlighting the limited randomized evidence and potential for serious complications.
In patients with atrial fibrillation and previous episodes of bleeding on oral anticoagulant treatment, left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has emerged as an alternative way to decrease the risk of stroke. The use of the procedure has been on the rise, and the news coverage has been dominated by an uncritical acceptance of the benefit of this procedure, which probably have contributed to the increasing number of procedures. This commentary is a presentation and critical appraisal of the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of left atrial appendage closure as stroke prophylaxis. We illustrate that LAAO is supported by limited randomised data risk of serious complications, which we do not believe supports the current widespread use.
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Kümler et al. (2022) conducted a review in Atrial fibrillation. Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) was evaluated. Left atrial appendage occlusion for stroke prophylaxis is supported by limited randomized data and carries a risk of serious complications, which does not support its current widespread use.
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