Barriers for a Wider Use of Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion as an Alternative to Oral Anticoagulation
نویسنده
چکیده
A clear question arises: why a cheaper, effective, treatment as left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) for non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) couldn ́t reach a broader use? The cost of the device for LAAC + procedure itself in Germany is estimated in €9,136 [2], slightly superior to 1-year treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors [1]. The figures are similar in USA: the cost for LAAC procedure + 2 transesophageal echocardiograms is $16,109 [3].
منابع مشابه
A Semi-Automated Algorithm for Segmentation of the Left Atrial Appendage Landing Zone: Application in Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Procedures
Background: Mechanical occlusion of the Left atrial appendage (LAA) using a purpose-built device has emerged as an effective prophylactic treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation at risk of stroke and a contraindication for anticoagulation. A crucial step in procedural planning is the choice of the device size. This is currently based on the manual analysis of the “Device Landing Zone” fr...
متن کاملLeft atrial appendage occlusion: A better alternative to anticoagulation?
Non-valvular atrial fibrillation is associated with a significantly increased risk of embolic stroke due to blood clot forming predominantly in the left atrial appendage (LAA). Preventive measures to avoid embolic events are permanent administration of anticoagulants or surgical closure of the LAA. Various clinical trials provide evidence about safety, effectiveness and therapeutic success of L...
متن کاملThe Watchman FLX – a new device for left atrial appendage occlusion – design, potential benefits and first clinical experience
Although convincing data showed that left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion could be used as an alternative to oral anticoagulants, LAA occlusion has emerged as a common procedure for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation and absolute or relative contraindications for oral anticoagulation in many European centers, based on current recommendations of the European Society of Cardi...
متن کاملEvidence-Based Percutaneous Closure of the Left Atrial Appendage in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, and its prevalence is increasing. Cardioembolic stroke, most of the times secondary to thrombus formation in the left atrial appendage, is its most feared and life threatening consequence. Oral anticoagulation with vitamin-K-antagonists is currently the most used prophylaxis for stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation; unfortunately...
متن کاملMagnetic resonance imaging for optimized implantation and long-term monitoring of patients receiving a left atrial appendage occluder
Introduction Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) often suffer from blood clots originating from the left atrial appendage (LAA). As these clots are the main cause of central and peripheral embolism, patients receive oral anticoagulation therapy. For those patients who cannot be treated effectively with oral anticoagulants, percutaneous transcatheter LAA occlusion systems have been invented a...
متن کامل