Surgical Removal of Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus in a Patient with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke. Left atrial appendage
thrombus is responsible for the majority of cardioembolic stroke caused by atrial fibrillation.
Left atrial appendage thrombus in a patient with acute ischemic stroke is usually managed
medically with anti-coagulation. We present a case of left atrial appendage thrombus causing
acute ischemic stroke in a patient with atrial fibrillation, who underwent surgical removal of left
atrial appendage thrombus. The surgical approach was chosen due to several embolic infarcts
and a left atrial appendage with a high clot burden.