Key result
Left atrial appendage harbors ~90% of thrombi in chronic AF, supporting surgical exclusion for stroke prevention.
Why the study?
Surgical techniques for left atrial appendage exclusion aim to prevent thromboembolic events in chronic atrial fibrillation but require evaluation of efficacy and safety.
LAA exclusion may aid thromboembolism prevention in chronic AF; leaves open optimal technique and long-term safety.
In patients with chronic atrial fibrillation, 90% of clots are located in the left atrial appendage (LAA). Therefore, LAA exclusion is a means of preventing thrombus formation and subsequent thromboembolic events in these patients. The LAA can be excluded from the systemic circulation via surgical, percutaneous, or thoracoscopic approaches. The surgical aim is complete obliteration of the appendage without a significant increase in either postoperative complications (bleeding, arrhythmias) or recurrence. We discuss the current surgical techniques available for LAA obliteration and review their results.
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Apostolakis et al. (2013) conducted a review in chronic atrial fibrillation. Surgical exclusion of the left atrial appendage was evaluated. In patients with chronic atrial fibrillation, 90% of clots are located in the left atrial appendage, making its surgical exclusion a key strategy for preventing thromboembolic events.
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