A left atrial appendage closure combined procedure review: Past, present, and future perspectives

摘要

Abstract Background and Objective Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide; it poses a great burden in terms of quality of life reduction and yearly stroke risk. Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is a stroke prevention strategy that has been proven a viable alternative to antithrombotic regimens in nonvalvular AF patients. LAAC can be performed as a standalone procedure or alongside a concomitant AF transcatheter ablation, in a procedure known as “Combined procedure”. Aim of this study is to summarize the scientific evidence backing this combined strategy. Methods We reviewed the whole Medline indexed combined procedure literature, to summarize all the combined procedure study data. Results Nine published studies regarding combined procedure were found. Data, aims, and scientific rationales were reported and commented. Conclusion LAA combined procedure appears to be a safe and effective procedure; a careful patient selection is necessary to maximize its benefit.