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Review
. 2025 Mar 27;14(7):2300.
doi: 10.3390/jcm14072300.

Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure: Supporting Evidence, Limitations and Future Directions

Giuseppe Imperatore  1 , Stijn Lochy  2 , Mohamed Ben Yedder  3 , Roberto Galea  4 , Adel Aminian  3
Affiliations
Review

Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure: Supporting Evidence, Limitations and Future Directions

Giuseppe Imperatore et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) has emerged as a promising intervention for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation who are contraindicated for long-term anticoagulation therapy. Despite its growing adoption, a comprehensive review of the LAAO procedure is essential to consolidate the supporting evidence, identify limitations, and outline future directions. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LAAO, drawing on clinical trials and real-world studies to provide a balanced perspective. Additionally, we address the limitations of current research, including variability in patient selection, procedural techniques, and follow-up protocols. By highlighting gaps in the knowledge and areas for improvement, this review aims to guide future research efforts to optimize and expand the therapeutic potential of LAAO.

Keywords: atrial fibrillation; device; left atrial appendage closure; stroke prevention.

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Conflict of interest statement

Aminian is a proctor and consultant for Abbott and Boston Scientific. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
DRT Criteria for TEE and CT imaging modalities. TEE = Transesophageal Echocardiography; CT = Computed Tomography; HAT = Hypoattenuated Thickening; LA = Left Atrial; DRT = Device-Related Thrombus.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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