Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Study (LAAOS): Results of a randomized controlled pilot study of left atrial appendage occlusion during coronary bypass surgery in patients at risk for stroke

AIM: This pilot study assessed the safety and efficacy of left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion, performed at the time of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS AND RESULTS: At the time of CABG, 77 patients with risk factors for stroke were randomized to LAA occlusion or control. The LAA was occluded using sutures or a stapling device. Completeness of occlusion was assessed with transesophageal echocardiography. There were no …