Cardiology clinics
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Left atrial appendage closure can be performed either surgically or percutaneously. Surgical approaches include direct suture, excision and suture, stapling, and clipping. ⋯ Left atrial appendage anatomy is highly variable and complex; therefore, preprocedural imaging is crucial to determine device selection and sizing, which contribute to procedural success and reduction of complications. Currently, the WATCHMAN is the only device that is approved for left atrial appendage closure in the United States.
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The burden of stroke is increasing due to aging population and unhealthy lifestyle habits. The considerable rise in atrial fibrillation (AF) is due to greater diffusion of risk factors and screening programs. ⋯ The subtype most commonly associated with AF is cardioembolic stroke, which is particularly severe and shows the highest rates of mortality and permanent disability. A trend toward a higher prevalence of cardioembolic stroke in high-income countries is probably due to the greater diffusion of AF and the control of atherosclerotic of risk factors.