Prophylactic Surgical Left Atrial Appendage Closure in Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Replacement: Short-Term Outcomes of Randomized Controlled LAA-CLOSURE Trial.
J Am Heart AssocAug 20, 2026 (epub)
Tuomas Kiviniemi, Frank Halfwerk, Juan Bustamante Munguira et al.
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In 30 seconds
The LAA-CLOSURE trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of prophylactic left atrial appendage (LAA) closure during bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement in 904 patients without prior atrial fibrillation. The primary endpoint, a composite of cardiovascular death, stroke, or systemic embolism at 30 days, occurred in 2.2% of the LAA closure group compared to 3.1% in the control group, indicating no significant benefit.
Key findings
- The primary endpoint occurred in 2.2% of the LAA closure group versus 3.1% in the control group.
- Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurred in 46.1% of the closure group compared to 40.1% in the control group.
- No closure-related serious complications or differences in bleeding were observed.
Why it matters
Understanding the impact of prophylactic LAA closure during aortic valve replacement can inform surgical decision-making and risk management for patients undergoing cardiac surgery, particularly regarding stroke prevention.