Description

Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is an emerging technology for thromboembolic prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The first human implantation of an LAA device occurred in 2001, and since then four devices have received CE mark approval.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art left atrial appendage (LAA) closure, covering epidemiology of atrial fibrillation and stroke, LAA anatomy, surgical approaches, imaging for LAA closure, LAA closure procedure, and post-procedural management. LAA closure is a rapidly emerging field in stroke prevention for patients with atrial fibrillation. Several percutaneous and surgical devices are now available in many countries, including WATCHMAN, Amplatzer Cardiac Plug and Amulet, and LARIAT devices, and many more are in clinical development and are being evaluated in research trials. As LAA closure is a technically challenging procedure, detailed knowledge of the rationale, anatomy, and technical approach of this modality guides clinicians in patient selection and facilitates procedural success. Left Atrial Appendage Closure is a valuable resource for interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, echocardiographers, radiographers, fellows, and residents in guiding the management of patients prior to, during, and following LAA closure.