Percutaneous and Surgical Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion in Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation: Contemporary Narrative Review.
Abstract
Background
Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) reduces thromboembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who have contraindications to oral anticoagulation (OAC). LAAO can be performed surgically (S-LAAO) or percutaneously (pLAAO), but direct comparative evidence remains limited.
Methods
We conducted a contemporary narrative review of evidence for S-LAAO and pLAAO, emphasizing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews (SRs), with and without meta-analyses. A focused PubMed/MEDLINE search evaluated procedural safety, thromboembolic outcomes, and completeness of LAA exclusion. Preprocedural, intraprocedural, and postprocedural imaging evidence was additionally assessed using guidelines, expert consensus statements, observational studies, and emerging clinical trials.
Results
RCTs and SRs support both S-LAAO and pLAAO for reducing thromboembolic events. S-LAAO reduces stroke and systemic embolism when performed during concomitant cardiac surgery, with the strongest evidence from LAAOS III. Evidence for isolated S-LAAO, including epicardial AtriClip closure, remains limited. pLAAO has been evaluated in multiple RCTs and SRs and has demonstrated noninferiority to OAC in selected populations. Incomplete LAA exclusion remains a concern with both approaches, manifesting as residual stumps after surgical closure and peri-device leaks after percutaneous implantation. TEE and cardiac CT remain key imaging modalities, while ICE, CMR, and DSA/fluoroscopy-guided techniques are increasingly investigated.
Conclusion
Both S-LAAO and pLAAO effectively reduce thromboembolic risk; however, evidence does not establish superiority of one approach. Evidence is substantially greater for pLAAO, whereas S-LAAO is primarily studied during concomitant cardiac surgery. Direct comparative studies are needed. Future research should address residual LAA patency, postprocedural antithrombotic therapy, and emerging imaging strategies.