Novel Stroke Prophylaxis Strategies: When Should Device-Based Cardiac Occlusion Therapies Be Considered?

Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is the established therapy to prevent ischemic stroke in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and it reduces the threat of recurrence in those who had a cardioembolic stroke. However, OAC is associated with a substantial risk of major bleeding. Therefore, device-based occlusion therapies including left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure have been developed to close the pathway for thrombi that potentially embolize to the brain. In this way, adequate prevention against ischemic stroke may be…