Many people have atrial fibrillation, a condition characterized by irregular beating of the heart. One problem arising from this condition is that blood can stagnate in the left atrial appendage (LAA, a small pouch in the upper-left chamber of the heart), creating an environment for clot formation. This can have serious consequences, such as stroke, if a clot then travels to the brain or other organs1. The problem can be solved by LAA occlusion (LAAO), a medical procedure in which the opening of the LAA is plugged with a device that prevents clots from forming in the appendage. Writing in Nature, Wang et al.2 describe a fresh approach for this procedure, in which a fluid solidifies into a resilient sealing gel in the LAA under the guidance of an external magnetic field.
Competing Interests
Y.S.Z. consulted for Allevi by 3D Systems; co-founded, consults for and holds options in Lin-ton Lifesciences; co-founded, consults for and holds options in Criocore; and sits on the scientific advisory board and holds options in Xellar Biosystems. Relevant financial interests are managed by the Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
