1. [Can strokes be prevented by cardiac catheterization procedures?].
- Author
-
Ukkonen H, Lund J, and Saraste A
- Subjects
- Anticoagulants therapeutic use, Foramen Ovale, Patent complications, Foramen Ovale, Patent surgery, Humans, Atrial Fibrillation complications, Atrial Fibrillation surgery, Cardiac Catheterization methods, Stroke etiology, Stroke prevention & control
- Abstract
Most strokes associated with atrial fibrillation are caused by thrombi generated at the left auricle of the heart. Anticoagulation effectively prevents strokes associated with atrial fibrillation, but may in some patients cause severe bleeding complications that lead to cessation of therapy. Catheter closure of the left auricle of the heart is an effective but technically demanding treatment alternative in cases where severe bleedings prevent anticoagulation therapy and the patient carries a high risk of developing stroke. Some strokes of unknown origin may also be caused by a patent foramen ovale.
- Published
- 2013