Left atrial appendage closure.
Stroke or systemic embolism is a devastating consequence of atrial fibrillation (AF) due to thrombus formation in the left atrial appendage (LAA). AF causes thrombus formation in the LAA due to both the loss of atrial systole and the unique anatomic features of the LAA. Oral anticoagulation is a well established and effective therapy to reduce the risk of stroke in AF patients, albeit with a risk of bleeding. LAA closure is a possible alternative to oral anticoagulation in the prevention of stroke or systemic embolism in AF.
['Lin|Albert C|AC|', 'Knight|Bradley P|BP|']
D000284:Administration, Oral D000925:Anticoagulants D020517:Atrial Appendage D001281:Atrial Fibrillation D006328:Cardiac Catheterization D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures D004617:Embolism D006470:Hemorrhage D006801:Humans D018579:Patient Selection D018570:Risk Assessment D012307:Risk Factors D020521:Stroke D016896:Treatment Outcome
Left atrial appendage Left atrial appendage closure Atrial fibrillation