Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: What the Practising Physician Should Know

Non-valvular AF is a common clinical condition associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic complications. As a consequence, ora anticoagulant therapy (OAT) is the cornerstone of non-valvular AF management. Despite the well-established efficacy of OAT, many patient cannot receive this preventive therapy due to bleeding or a high risk of bleeding. The fact that more than 90% of thrombi are formed in the lef atrial appendage has led to the development of alternative methods to reduce the embolic risk. Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is non-pharmacological option for preventing cardioembolic events in patients with non-valvular AF with a contraindication to OAT. The demand fo LAAO procedures is growing exponentially and clinicians should consider this alternative option when managing patients with a contraindicatio to OAT. This review summarises the current thinking about LAAO.