2015 ACC/HRS/SCAI Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Device Societal Overview

June 29, 2015—The American College of Cardiology (ACC), the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) have collaborated in writing this overview as the first of a series of documents to address issues critical to the appropriate integration of new technologies into the care of patients with atrial fibrillation.

Left atrial appendage occlusion devices have the potential to influence the clinical approach to stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). A number of percutaneous techniques have been proposed, including intracardiac plugs and external ligation. Several devices have been adopted to various degrees in the United States and internationally.

This overview document is a collaboration between HRS, ACC, and SCAI on the first of a series to address issues critical to the appropriate integration of new technologies into the care of patients with atrial fibrillation.

See also SCAI/ACC/HRS Institutional and Operator Requirements for Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion.