Evaluation of the AtriClip for completeness of left atrial appendage closure in cardiac surgery patients with concomitant atrial fibrillation

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is the most common source of thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Such thrombus has the potential to embolise to the brain, causing stroke. Ligation of the appendage is a commonly performed concomitant procedure in patients with AF undergoing heart surgery for other reasons . Current literature suggests that complete exclusion of the left atrial appendage occurs in only 40% of patients undergoing ligation and intra-atrial closure. A small amount of data suggests better long term exclusion of the LAA with the Atriclip device. In addition there is little risk of bleeding compare to excision and oversewing. We would like to collect data on patients undergoing left atrial appendage ligation using the Atriclip device