Research & Publications
Atrial Fibrillation Medicare FFS Outcomes After Thoracoscopic LAAE
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects approximately 3 million Americans and increases stroke risk fivefold. Current stroke prevention often involves oral anticoagulation, but many patients cannot take these medications due to risks such as bleeding or other health issues. An alternative is left atrial appendage exclusion (LAAE), which blocks stroke-causing clots from forming.
This study compared Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) patients with AF who had thoracoscopic LAAE to those who did not. Both groups were at high risk for stroke and bleeding and were not on anticoagulants. The results indicated that LAAE patients had significantly fewer thromboembolic events and lower mortality rates, based on a one-year follow-up period after treatment, demonstrating LAAE as a promising option for high-risk AF patients who cannot take anticoagulants.
