Key result
Left atrial appendage occlusion research grew by 21.42% annually across 833 PubMed publications (2006-2026), shifting focus toward imaging, device optimization, and antithrombotic management.
Why the study?
This study aimed to map publication trends, leading contributors, international collaboration patterns, and evolving research themes in left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO/LAAC) for patients with atrial fibrillation from 2006 to 2026.
This 20-year bibliometric analysis demonstrates a 21.42% annual growth rate in PubMed-indexed LAAO/LAAC research for atrial fibrillation, documenting a thematic shift from early procedural feasibility toward multimodality imaging guidance, next-generation device optimization, and postprocedural antithrombotic management.
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Expanding LAAO research volume signals field maturation; leaves open optimal imaging, device, and antithrombotic strategies pending RCTs.
This study aimed to map publication trends, leading contributors, international collaboration patterns, and evolving research themes in left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), also referred to as left atrial appendage closure (LAAC), for patients with atrial fibrillation between 2006 and the 2026 literature search period.A bibliometric analysis was conducted using publications indexed in PubMed. An initial 3,684 records were identified and subsequently screened using predefined filters for publication date, language, document type, and preprint status, resulting in a final dataset of 833 publications from 230 publication sources. Bibliometrix, through its Biblioshiny interface, and VOSviewer were employed to analyze bibliometric indicators, research productivity, collaboration networks, and thematic developments.The final dataset comprised 833 publications involving 4,212 unique authors, with a reported annual publication growth rate of 21.42%. Research output and collaboration networks were predominantly concentrated in North America, Europe, and selected Asian countries. Thematic mapping indicated a shift from early investigations of procedural feasibility and safety toward imaging-guided interventions, device optimization, and postprocedural antithrombotic management. Publication data for 2026 represented the records available at the time of the literature search rather than a complete calendar-year assessment. The findings demonstrated substantial growth and increasing thematic diversity in LAAO/LAAC research over the study period. However, because the analysis was restricted to PubMed-indexed publications meeting specific eligibility criteria, the results reflected the characteristics of the selected bibliographic dataset rather than the entire global research landscape. Furthermore, bibliometric indicators and thematic networks did not establish the clinical effectiveness, comparative safety, or methodological quality of individual interventions or studies.
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Dharmasaputra et al. (2026) studied Atrial Fibrillation (Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion/Closure) (n=833). Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) / closure (LAAC) research publications was evaluated on Bibliometric indicators, publication growth trends, collaboration networks, and thematic evolution. Left atrial appendage occlusion research grew by 21.42% annually across 833 PubMed publications (2006-2026), shifting focus toward imaging, device optimization, and antithrombotic management.
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