Expectations After Catheter Ablation-LAAO in the Management of Atrial Fibrillation

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Faisal Merchant discusses the role of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in managing atrial fibrillation, focusing on stroke and systemic embolism prevention. While the left atrial appendage plays various roles in atrial fibrillation, it is a primary source of thrombi in non-rheumatic heart disease atrial fibrillation cases. Over 90% of thrombi originate in this appendage. He explains the use of devices like the Watchman Flex and Amulet for percutaneous LAAO, highlighting their potential benefits and complications such as peridevice leak and device-related thrombus. Current randomized trials show no significant difference in stroke risk between LAAO and anticoagulation, but LAAO reduces bleeding complications, particularly hemorrhagic strokes. Dr. Merchant emphasizes the need for better data to guide LAAO use, especially in older, high-risk patients often unsuitable for long-term anticoagulation, which remains a critical gap in current research.

Keywords

left atrial appendage occlusion

atrial fibrillation

stroke prevention

Watchman Flex

Amulet

anticoagulation