This protocol applies to patients with atrial fibrillation who have a contraindication to long-term anticoagulant treatment — a setting that requires a different strategy to address the underlying risk of ischaemic stroke and thromboembolism.
Atrial fibrillation with a confirmed contraindication for sustained anticoagulant therapy. Because standard anticoagulation-based stroke prevention is not an option, the clinical focus shifts to procedural alternatives that address the source of thrombus formation.
A percutaneous procedure targeting the left atrial appendage is the primary intervention in this setting. The complete protocol — including patient selection, procedural details, and the conditions under which a surgical alternative may be considered — is available via the link below.
DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehae176