According to several registries, incomplete left atrial appendage (LAA) closure has been observed in up to 30% of cases after device implantation. The main cause of this complication is a mismatch between closure device and LAA ostium. The latter is elliptical in shape and varies in length, while the Watchman LAA closure device is round…
Left Atrial Appendage Closure: Effective to Reduce Risk of Stroke?
Original Title: Effectiveness of Left Atrial Appendage Exclusion Procedures to Reduce the Risk of Stroke: A Systematic Review of the Evidence. Reference: North Noelck et al. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. July 2016. Published ahead of print. Atrial fibrillation is an important cause of stroke. Oral anticoagulation reduces the risk of stroke but, on the…
LAA Closure: Preventing Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Prior Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Original Title: LAA occlusion vs. standard care in patients with atrial fibrillation and intracerebral hemorrhage – A propensity score matched follow-up study. Presenter: Jens Erik Nielsen-Kudsk Patients with atrial fibrillation and a history of intracerebral hemorrhage, have an elevated risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. There is no consensus on how to treat…