Left Atrial Appendage Closure: A Narrative Review

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and the cause of thromboembolic events in elderly patients worldwide. AF is associated with a significantly increased risk of morbidity and mortality due to cardiac emboli, primarily from left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus. Oral anticoagulation therapy is the standard treatment to effectively reduce the risk of thromboembolic events in patients with AF. However, anticoagulation treatment increases bleeding risk. LAA closure (LAAC) has recently been introduced as a feasible mechanical preventive intervention for thromboembolic events while minimizing the risk of bleeding. Transcatheter LAAC devices have evolved in the past decade, and several ongoing trials have demonstrated the improvements of safety and outcomes in newer generation devices. This review summarizes the current perspectives and outcomes regarding LAAC as an alternative to pharmacologic therapy.