Key result
Left atrial appendage occlusion is a stroke prevention alternative to lifelong oral anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation, offering the highest absolute risk reduction in younger patients.
Why the study?
Does Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) prevent stroke compared to lifelong oral anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation?
Does Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) prevent stroke compared to lifelong oral anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation?
LAAO should be discussed as an alternative to lifelong oral anticoagulation with every AF patient, considering individual bleeding risks.
May inform AF patient discussions on LAAO; leaves open randomized confirmation of age-specific benefits.
Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a first-line therapy for stroke prevention in patients suffering from atrial fibrillation (AF). While patients at high risk for bleeding or patients with previous bleeding have the highest relative risk reduction from LAAO, it is the younger patients with a high lifetime bleeding risk who benefit from the highest absolute risk reduction after LAAO. Therefore, LAAO should be discussed with every AF patient, as an alternative to lifelong oral anticoagulation. The patient needs to be informed about the risks and benefits of each treatment strategy in order to take an informed treatment decision.
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Nietlispach et al. (2017) conducted a review in Atrial fibrillation. Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) vs. Oral anticoagulation was evaluated. Left atrial appendage occlusion is a stroke prevention alternative to lifelong oral anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation, offering the highest absolute risk reduction in younger patients.
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