Stroke is one of the most severe complications of atrial fibrillation. Oral anticoagulation is the first choice therapy in prevention of cardiac embolic events. Particularly in patients with the history of serious bleeding, oral anticoagulation may be contraindicated. Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure represents an alternative in prophylaxis of cardiac embolic events. This review article describes physiology and pathophysiology of the left auricle, the most frequently used devices and their indications and scientific rationale.
Keywords: atrial fibrillation; left auricle; occlusion; stroke.