David Hildick Smith - What’s new: clinical data published and presented since last year

Why might LAA occlusion therapy be cost effective, despite a high procedural cost? This presentation is an overview of the health economics data available for left atrial appendage closure therapy.

John Camm, UK vs Hans Christoph Diener, DEU    Debate: Are the new ESC guidelines are too strict for Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion? John Camm - Yes, they are too strict. There is a larger group that should benefit from LAA occlusion and it should be stronger recommended too!Hans Christoph Diener - No, the ESC guidelines are right; LAA occlusion Should be limited to OAC contraindicated patients!

New oral anticoagulants or NOACs, with  favorable results from large scale phase III clinical trials, represent a major advancement and expanded armamentarium in antithrombotic therapy. There are still limitations associated. Many patients in need of anticoagulant therapy for indications not studied in the clinical trials will not be eligible for treatment.  The focus on NOACs has shifted to the practical approach and management in real life.