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left atrial appendage; left atrial auricle (LAA)
embryonic remnant of the original left atrium
Structure:
- a long, tubular, trabeculated structure
- in continuity with the left atrial cavity
Pathology:
1) predisposed to in-situ thrombus formation
2) > 90% of atrial thrombi in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation are believed to originate in the left atrial appendage
3) left atrial appendage closure is an investigational procedure to prevent thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation
Related
left atrial appendage closure (Watchman device, Lariat device)
General
atrial auricle; auricular appendage; auricle of atria (left/right)
References
- McCabe DJH et al
Left atrial appendage occlusion in non-valvular atrial
fibrillation
The Lancet, Volume 374, Issue 9689, Pages 504 - 506,
15 August 2009
PMID: 19683627
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2809%2961468-9/fulltext