Interventional approach to reduce thromboembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation ineligible for oral anticoagulation

Ital Heart J. 2005 May;6(5):414-7.

Abstract

The annual incidence of stroke in patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation averages 5% per year and increases with age, left ventricular dysfunction, hypertension, diabetes or prior stroke. Since in nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation 91% of left atrial thrombi are located in the left atrial appendage, in patients ineligible for oral anticoagulation it was suggested the percutaneous closure of left atrial appendage as a therapeutic option to reduce embolic risk. In this article we report our initial experience with this procedure, which was uneventful and efficacious at short-term follow-up. In conclusion, the interventional approach in patients with atrial fibrillation ineligible for oral anticoagulation seems feasible and promising, and deserves further investigation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Aged
  • Anticoagulants / administration & dosage
  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects
  • Atrial Appendage / physiopathology*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / therapy*
  • Balloon Occlusion / instrumentation*
  • Balloon Occlusion / methods
  • Cardiac Catheterization / instrumentation*
  • Cardiac Catheterization / methods
  • Contraindications
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Thromboembolism / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Anticoagulants