What patient-specific characteristics should be assessed before proceeding with LAAO?

Assessing comorbidities and risk factors for stroke is crucial before proceeding with Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) because these factors help to determine the patient's overall risk profile. Patients who might benefit most from LAAO typically have conditions such as atrial fibrillation, which increases the risk of stroke due to thrombus formation in the left atrial appendage.

Additionally, considering comorbidities—such as hypertension, diabetes, or heart failure—can influence both the risk of stroke and the potential success of the procedure. These characteristics provide valuable insights into the patient’s health status and can guide treatment decisions related to the intervention.

While patient age and gender are important factors that may impact overall treatment strategies, they do not provide as comprehensive a risk assessment as evaluating specific comorbidities and stroke risk factors. Similarly, family history and past surgical history can be relevant but are not as directly tied to the immediate risks associated with a higher likelihood of stroke, making a thorough assessment of comorbidities and risk factors the most critical step in evaluating a patient for LAAO.