Endovascular occlusion of the left atrial appendage in atrial fibrillation: modern concepts and prospects (review)

Abstract

Despite the increasingly widespread use of endovascular left atrial appendage occlusion (ELAAO) in the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), the choice of optimal tactics for performing the procedure, especially subsequent antithrombotic therapy, remains poorly understood. This review was conducted with the aim of critically assessing current ideas about the safety and effectiveness of ELAAO in AF. The results of the most important clinical studies of ELAAO in patients with AF, the provisions of current clinical recommendations for this procedure are discussed. The available data on the possibilities of antithrombotic therapy after ELAAO and the prospects for future research in filling gaps in the evidence base for this technique are reviewed.