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Stroke is the most feared consequence of atrial fibrillation. Anticoagulation reduces the risk for stroke by 70%, but it also increases the risk for bleeding. For some individuals, bleeding or the risk for bleeding prohibits anticoagulation. Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion was hypothesized in the surgical literature to reduce the risk for stroke, particularly in those who could not be anticoagulated. Yet, effectiveness data on the surgical experience with LAA occlusion have been scant. Now, three professional cardiology societies — the American College of Cardiology, Heart Rhythm Society, and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions — have collaboratively produced a literature review and perspective on this approach, i…