![Sample our Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing & Allied Health journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5944/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Medicine-Dentistry-Nursing-Allied-Health.jpg"})
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is associated with a significantly increased risk of stroke, and oral anticoagulation is the mainstay of preventative treatment. Scenarios arise where the risks of treatment with oral anticoagulation may outweigh the benefits, most commonly when there is an elevated risk of bleeding. Studies of percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage have strongly implicated this structure in the etiology of stroke in atrial fibrillation, and provide some rationale for the discontinuation of oral anticoagulation following percutaneous closure device implantation. A common clinical concern is the safety of cessation of oral anticoagulation after surgical closure of the left atrial appendage in patients with a history of atrial fibrillation. Here, we review the evidence guiding this management decision and draw comparison with data on percutaneous closure.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.