Heart failure after left atrial appendage occlusion: Insights from the LAAOS III randomized trial

AIMS: The left atrial appendage (LAA) produces natriuretic peptides and its removal or occlusion might increase the risk of heart failure (HF). We aimed to investigate the incidence of HF after LAA occlusion or removal (LAAO) in the Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Study (LAAOS III). METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients (n = 4811) with atrial fibrillation (AF) and a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score ≥2, who were having cardiac surgery for another indication, were …