Approaches to Left Atrial Appendage Closure: Device Design, Performance, and Limitations

Thermally responsive hydrogel for atrial fibrillation related stroke prevention

“…Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder in adults with a 1 in 4 lifetime risk [ 1 ]. AF significantly increases the risk of stroke and mortality, and roughly 90% of strokes in patients with AF derive from the formation of thrombi in the left atrial appendage (LAA) [ 2 , 3 ]. Traditional preventive strategies have relied on oral anticoagulation (OAC), either with warfarin or with newer anticoagulant agents [ 4 ].…”