Risk Assessment and Management of Patients Undergoing Left Atrial Appendage Isolation

Purpose of Review Herein, we will describe our approach in the management of patients following LAA isolation. Summary With the increasing number of patients who undergo left atrial appendage isolation as part of their invasive treatment of atrial fibrillation, it is important to know that this patient population needs special care during follow-up. More specifically, owing to absent left atrial appendage contraction, these patients have an increased stroke risk despite persistent sinus rhythm and irrespective of their CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score. Thus, the mainstay of management of patients following left atrial appendage isolation is stroke prevention, and life-long uninterrupted oral anticoagulation or left atrial appendage closure are essential in this population.