Catheterization and cardiovascular interventions : official journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions
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Catheter Cardiovasc Interv · Aug 2009
ReviewIs the left atrial appendage more than a simple appendage?
The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a cardiac structure with unique anatomic and functional features. It is significantly more than a simple chamber appended to the left atrium (LA), differing from the LA in structure, function, and hormonal activity. ⋯ Benign healing of the appendage occurs without adverse hemodynamic effects, and with no residual surface thrombus or tissue damage. The feasibility of this treatment is now established, suggesting that percutaneous therapy is safe, practical and possibly effective to eliminate the need for anticoagulation and significantly reduce cardioembolic events.