Long-Term Safety and Efficacy in Continued Access Left Atrial Appendage Closure Registries.

Background: Long-term data on the safety and efficacy of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation remain limited.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate 4.5- to 5-year data in 2 U.

Patent foramen ovale and cerebrovascular diseases.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been linked to ischemic strokes of undetermined cause (cryptogenic strokes). PFO-a remnant of fetal circulation when the foramen ovale does not seal after birth-can permit microemboli to escape the pulmonary filter into the intracranial circulation, causing stroke. Coexistent atrial septal aneurysm, pelvic deep vein thrombosis and inherited clotting factor deficiencies could potentiate stroke risk in patients with PFO.