Question

A 70-year-old with AF and prior GI bleed now stabilized asks about left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). When is LAAO reasonable?

Accepted Answer

Reasonable for patients with contraindication to long-term OAC after shared decision-making

Answer

First-line instead of anticoagulation for all

Answer

Only if CHA₂DS₂‑VASc ≤1

Answer

Never recommended

Answer

Only for mechanical valves

Practice question

A 70-year-old with AF and prior GI bleed now stabilized asks about left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). When is LAAO reasonable?