Complications of left atrial appendage occlusion: unavoidable risks

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia. Ischemic stroke caused by thrombosis is the main cause of disability in patients with AF. Left atrial appendage occlusion has become an indispensable means of stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and is expected to become a reasonable alternative to anticoagulant therapy. However, left atrial appendage occlusion is associated with related complications, such as pericardial effusion, residual leakage, device related thrombosis and embolism. How to ensure operation safety and reduce related complications has always been a hot issue that needs to be addressed urgently. This paper reviews the complications related to left atrial occlusion.