Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion - A Stitch in Time?

Overview

Many patients have now been able to receive transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) therapy for severe aortic stenosis. These patients have atrial fibrillation and are placed on warfarin for stroke prophylaxis. The opportunity for treatment with left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in place of warfarin for this population exists, especially for those with increased bleeding risk. This paper discusses the prevalence and aetiology of stroke in patients presenting for TAVR (with a focus on the risk from chronic and acute atrial fibrillation) and also the benefit of LAAO closure in this population.

Featuring

Sameer Gafoor - CardioVascular Center, Frankfurt, Germany

Luisa Heuer - CardioVascular Center, Frankfurt, Germany

Jennifer Franke - CardioVascular Center, Frankfurt, Germany; University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany

Stefan Bertog - CardioVascular Center, Frankfurt, Germany; Department of Veterans Affairs, Minnesota, US

Laura Vaskelyte - CardioVascular Center, Frankfurt, Germany

Ilona Hofmann - CardioVascular Center, Frankfurt, Germany

Horst Sievert - Director, CardioVascular Center, Frankfurt, Germany