Key result
Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure is an alternative for atrial fibrillation patients, but the presence of LAA thrombus is considered a contraindication.
Why the study?
Presence of thrombus in the left atrial appendage is considered a contraindication for percutaneous closure and an exclusion criterion in most major trials.
Case Report
This case report discusses the management of left atrial appendage thrombus prior to percutaneous closure, a scenario typically considered a contraindication for the procedure.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
May support LAAC feasibility in select AF with LAA thrombus; leaves open need for prospective data.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and is associated with a significant risk of stroke, the primary source of thromboembolism in AF is the left atrial appendage (LAA) 1. Clinical, anatomical, and functional factors influence thrombus formation in the LAA despite therapeutic anticoagulation2. Percutaneous LAA closure (LAAC) provides an alternative for patients with contraindications to anticoagulation, high bleeding risk, or failure of oral anticoagulation therapy. However, the presence of thrombus in the LAA is considered a contraindication for LAAC and is an exclusion criterion in most major trials2,3.
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Villamizar-Quintero et al. (2025) conducted a case report in Atrial fibrillation with left atrial appendage thrombus. Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) was evaluated. Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure is an alternative for atrial fibrillation patients, but the presence of LAA thrombus is considered a contraindication.
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