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. These devices are being widely used in Europe for LAA closure in patients who are poor candidates for long-term oral anticoagulation. In the US, the WATCHMAN device (Boston Scientific) is anticipated to receive FDA approval imminently for AF patients who are warfarin-eligible. This approval is projected to significantly expand the indications for LAA closures worldwide. Thus, the volume of procedures is anticipated to escalate. This book discusses the epidemiology of AF as a cause of stroke; the use of LAA closure in the reduction of thromboembolism with AF; early surgical approaches and novel surgical devices for LAA closure; and current percutaneous approaches and devices available for LAA closure. The emphasis of this book is on percutaneous technical approaches and contemporary trial results on the leading devices (PLAATO, WATCHMAN, Amplatzer Cardiac Plug, and LARIAT). It also reviews unapproved devices in development, in both clinical and pre-clinical phases.

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. These devices are being widely used in Europe for LAA closure in patients who are poor candidates for long-term oral anticoagulation. In the US, the WATCHMAN device (Boston Scientific) is anticipated to receive FDA approval imminently for AF patients who are warfarin-eligible. This approval is projected to significantly expand the indications for LAA closures worldwide. Thus, the volume of procedures is anticipated to escalate. This book discusses the epidemiology of AF as a cause of stroke; the use of LAA closure in the reduction of thromboembolism with AF; early surgical approaches and novel surgical devices for LAA closure; and current percutaneous approaches and devices available for LAA closure. The emphasis of this book is on percutaneous technical approaches and contemporary trial results on the leading devices (PLAATO, WATCHMAN, Amplatzer Cardiac Plug, and LARIAT). It also reviews unapproved devices in development, in both clinical and pre-clinical phases.

Atrial fibrillation and stroke epidemiology.- Efficacy and limitations of warfarin, and novel oral anticoagulants with AF.- Mechanistic rationale for LAA closure with AF and stroke prevention.- LAA anatomy.- Conventional surgery for LAA closure.- The use of transesophageal echocardiography to guide percutaneous LAA closure.- The use of intracardiac echocardiography to guide procedural LAA closure.- The use of cardiac CTA to guide percutaneous LAA closure.- PLAATO device.- WATCHMAN device.- WATCHMAN: Trials and registries results.- Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (ACP) and Amulet.- ACP and Amulet: Trials and registries results.- LARIAT.- LARIAT: Trials and registries results.- Novel percutaneous LAA closure devices in clinical or pre-clinical trials.- Concomitant AF ablation and LAA closure.- Procedural complications and management.- Antiplatelet and anticoagulant strategies after LAA closure.- Device-related thrombi, residual leaks and consequences.