![Sample our Engineering & Technology journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5933/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Engineering-Tech.jpg"})
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is associated with a fivefold increased risk for stroke, mostly secondary to thromboembolic events. Anticoagulation with a vitamin K antagonist is the standard medical therapy for these patients but is difficult to maintain within the therapeutic range and requires frequent monitoring and dose adjustments. Approximately 90% of thromboembolism occurs in the left atrial appendage (LAA) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Occlusion of flow into the LAA may prevent thrombus formation in the appendage and, hence, reduction of stroke. Recently, several percutaneous transcatheter techniques of LAA exclusion using the Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Transcatheter Occlusion device, the WATCHMAN® device, and AMPLATZER® septal occluder and cardiac plug have been employed, with encouraging results. Occlusion of the LAA may be an alternative to vitamin K antagonist therapy for selected patients.
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.