Alkhouli M, Di Biase L, Natale A, Rihal CS, Holmes DR, Asirvatham S, Bartus K, Lakkireddy D, Friedman PA. Nonthrombogenic Roles of the Left Atrial Appendage: JACC Review Topic of the Week.
J Am Coll Cardiol 2023;
81:1063-1075. [PMID:
36922093 DOI:
10.1016/j.jacc.2023.01.017]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The atrial appendage (LAA) is a well-established source of cardioembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. Therefore, research involving the LAA has largely focused on its thrombogenic attribute and the utility of its exclusion in stroke prevention. However, recent studies have highlighted several novel functions of the LAA that may have important therapeutic implications. In this paper, we provide a concise overview of the LAA anatomy and summarize the emerging data on its nonthrombogenic roles.
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