Original title: Thoracoscopic Stand-Alone Left Atrial Appendectomy for Thromboembolism Prevention in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrilation. Reference: Toshiya Ohtsuka, et al. J Am Coll Cardiol 201362;2:103-107

Anticoagulation is commonly prescribed as prevention therapy against AF-induced thromboembolism. However, even a correct prescription may result in an unexpected stroke due to cardioembolic stroke. Different left atrial appendectomy techniques and devices are currently being tested to help solve this problem.

This analysis was performed in one single center by one single surgeon and included 30 patients undergoing thoracoscopic appendectomy. All patients had a +10 year history of AF, 52 mm left atrial mean diameter (46-61) and AF