Summary

Oral anticoagulants (OACs) are effective for preventing embolic events for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) but are associated with bleeding events. Percutaneous, image-guided, catheter-based ligation can permanently exclude the left atrial appendage (LAA), eliminating the need for OACs and reducing the risk of stroke and embolic events in patients with AF. The catheter-based LARIAT suture delivery device consists of a snare with a pretied suture that is guided over the LAA from an epicardial approach. This article discusses the results of the Lasso Occlusion of the LAA trial [LARIAT] of LAA ligation with the LARIAT device in patients with AF.