For patients who have previously undergone MAZE ligation presenting with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, how would you counsel them on the risk of stroke long-term when deciding whether or not to start or continue anticoagulation?

The decision to start or continue anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation can be challenging, even after LAA closure. Specifically related to surgical closure of the LAA (excluding percutaneous LAAO, such as Watchman or Amulet), anticoagulation is still recommended indefinitely if suppo...