Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation: Role of the Left Atrial Appendage.

ABSTRACT

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia. Patients with AF have a higher risk for thromboembolism than individuals without AF. The left atrial appendage (LAA) is the main source of thromboembolism because of its anatomic, mechanical, and electrophysiologic properties, and accounts for more than 90% of thrombus formation in patients with AF. Advancement in imaging expands knowledge about anatomic and physiologic characteristics of LAA. The risk of thromboembolism events in patients with AF depends on clinical comorbidities and structural and physiologic parameters of atria, especially LAA. This article discusses AF-related thromboembolic events and the role of the LAA.