Abstract

Percutaneous suture ligation of left atrial appendage using the LARIAT device: a review of technique and current data

Author(s): S Girotra, S Murarka, M Eddin, G Fraij, G Gellert, M Morris & A Pershad

Atrial fibrillation affects over 2.5 million people in the USA and more than 6 million people in Europe. The most devastating complication of atrial fibrillation is systemic thromboembolism, manifesting as ischemic stroke. The left atrial appendage, accounts for 90% of the atrial thrombi in atrial fibrillation. There are two strategies to prevent left atrial appendage thrombi: long term anticoagulation; and eliminating the source of the thrombus, that is, excision/exclusion of the left atrial appendage surgically or percutaneously. In this review, a detailed discussion of all aspects of the LARIAT device are presented including pre-procedural work up, intra-procedural details and post-procedural complications and follow-up, along with the evidence base in the literature for use of this device.