What are the recommendations from the ESO-Karolinska Stroke Update Conference for patients with atrial fibrillation?
The recommendations from the ESO-Karolinska Stroke Update Conference for patients with atrial fibrillation are to consider percutaneous left atrial appendage closure as an alternative to long-term warfarin therapy to reduce the risk of stroke. The findings of the PREVAIL and PROTECT AF trials have demonstrated that such closure is non-inferior to warfarin therapy in terms of stroke prevention, while offering the potential of fewer side effects. The 5-year outcomes of these trials have also found that the device is safe and effective in preventing strokes in this population.  