Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: The Current Device Landscape and Future Perspectives

Interv Cardiol Clin. 2018 Apr;7(2):253-265. doi: 10.1016/j.iccl.2017.12.011.

Abstract

Since the first percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), many studies have shown the safety and efficacy of this technique to prevent embolic strokes in nonvavular atrial fibrillation. The design, characteristics, and clinical data of the most frequently used devices for LAAO are reviewed, including the Amplatzer cardiac plug and Amulet (Abbott Vascular), the Watchman (Boston Scientific), and the LARIAT device (SentreHEART). Similarly, newer closer devices, such as Ultraseal (Cardia), LAmbre (Lifetech), and Coherex WaveCrest (Johnson & Johnson), are also discussed. Finally, new technologies still in the stage of preclinical study or in the initial clinical experience are also reviewed.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Left atrial appendage occlusion; Stroke; Stroke prevention.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Atrial Appendage / surgery*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / complications
  • Atrial Fibrillation / epidemiology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / mortality
  • Atrial Fibrillation / prevention & control
  • Cardiac Catheterization / methods
  • Cardiac Catheterization / mortality
  • Humans
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Septal Occluder Device / adverse effects
  • Septal Occluder Device / supply & distribution
  • Septal Occluder Device / trends*
  • Stroke / epidemiology
  • Stroke / mortality
  • Stroke / prevention & control
  • Therapeutic Occlusion / methods*
  • Therapeutic Occlusion / mortality