The left atrial appendage is known to be a source of thromboemboli in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, and the interventional or surgical occlusion or exclusion of this anatomical structure is an alternative approach to anticoagulation therapy for the prevention of stroke. In this Review, Caliskan et al. discuss the various methods for occlusion of the left atrial appendage, and provide an overview of the clinical studies investigating these techniques.
- Etem Caliskan
- James L. Cox
- Maximilian Y. Emmert
