Percutaneous closure of left atrial appendage after transcatheter aortic valve implantation - an interventional approach to avoid anticoagulation therapy in elderly patients: TAVI and closure of LAA to avoid warfarin therapy

The prevention of stroke is a primary goal in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) because of its high morbidity and mortality. Cardiac embolism due to AF causes up to 25% of all ischaemic strokes underlining its supplement socio-economical relevance1. The prevalence of AF increases due to the rapidly growing proportion of elderly people. Apart from heart rate control and anticoagulation, transcatheter left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is a newly accepted therapeutic option in selected patients with permanent or paroxysmal AF who have contraindications for anticoagulation therapy and a high cardioembolic risk2,3.

Valvular heart disease, especially aortic valve stenosis (AVS), is ...