Preserved Left Atrial Function Following Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Stroke Prevention.

Background null Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at high risk of thromboembolism, with most thrombi forming in the left atrial (LA) appendage. LA appendage closure is an alternative therapy to oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in AF patients with contraindication to oral anticoagulation. LA function is critical for cardiovascular function, and recent studies suggested a direct relationship between LA function and AF...