Totally Thoracoscopic Closure of the Left Atrial Appendage.

Ramlawi, Basel; Bedeir, Kareem; Edgerton, James R · Ann Thorac Surg · 2019

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a major site of clot formation in atrial fibrillation. Stand-alone thoracoscopic LAA complete closure can decrease stroke risk and may be an alternative to life-long oral anticoagulation. This report describes a technique for totally thoracoscopic LAA exclusion with an epicardial clip device. This approach provides a safe and likely more effective alternative to LAA management than other endocardial devices.

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