title: Left atrial appendage closure is preferred to chronic warfarin therapy: the pro perspective.
abstract: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased rates of death, stroke, heart failure, hospitalization, degraded quality of life, reduced exercise capacity, and left ventricular dysfunction. An oral anticoagulant reduces the risk of stroke; however, it places the patient at risk for bleeding complications. Weighing the stroke and bleeding risks remains the key for optimal treatment. Cardiac interventions that can obviate long-term oral anticoagulation hold great promise for the future care of patients with AF and high stroke risk. The percutaneously deployable Watchman device is a paradigm shift in how clinicians can abate the need for continued oral anticoagulation.
authors: Division of Electrophysiology, Kansas University Medical Center, University of Kansas Hospital, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Rm 1001B Eaton, MS 3006, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
authors: Moustapha
authors: M
authors: Atoui
authors: Division of Electrophysiology, University of Kansas Hospital, 3901, Rainbow Boulevard, G-600, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
authors: Sampath
authors: S
authors: Gunda
authors: Division of Electrophysiology, University of Kansas Hospital, 3901, Rainbow Boulevard, G-600, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Center for Excellence in Atrial Fibrillation & EP Research, University of Kansas Medical Center and Hospital, 3901, Rainbow Boulevard, G-600, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. Electronic address: dlakkireddy@kumc.edu.
authors: Dhanunjaya
authors: D
authors: Lakkireddy
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020517:Atrial Appendage / Q000601:surgery*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D014859:Warfarin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin
keywords: Anticoagulation related bleeding; Arrhythmia; Atrial fibrillation; Left atrial appendage; Left atrial appendage occlusion; Thromboembolism