Incidental Left Atrial Appendage Isolation after Catheter Ablation of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Mechanisms and Long-term Risk of Thromboembolism.

Incidental LAA isolation may occur during ablation of atrial arrhythmias in the vicinity of, or even at sites remote from the appendage. Patients with incidental LAA isolation had higher rates of thromboembolism compared to patients without isolation. Since thromboembolism may occur despite prescription for OAC, the risks of LAA isolation must be weighed against clinical benefit and appendage occlusion devices should be considered in vulnerable patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.