Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Study (LAAOS): A randomized clinical trial of left atrial appendage occlusion during routine coronary artery bypass graft surgery for long-term stroke prevention

BACKGROUND: Many patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery have risk factors for both atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke. The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a main source of thrombus coming from the left atrium. LAA occlusion should be tested as a means to reduce future cerebral ischemic events in these patients. METHODS: The Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Study (LAAOS) is a randomized clinical trial designed to evaluate …