Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure devices and methods for surgical left atrial appendage closure. (A) Ball-type device (plug): endovascular delivery of a lobe or umbrella and closure by obstructing the neck of the left atrial appendage (Watchman, WAveCrest). (B) Disc-type device (pacifier): endovascular device of a lobe or umbrella (anchoring/obstructing the neck of the left atrial appendage) with an additional disc attached (sealing of the left atrial appendage ostium; Amplatzer Amulet, LAmbre). Left atrial appendage closure is dependent on sealing and endothelialization of the corpus/umbrella and/or disc (pacifier principle). (C) Ligation: endocardial and epicardial snaring and percutaneous suture ligation of the left atrial appendage (Lariat). (D) Surgical left atrial appendage closure: amputation by suture or Atriclip are depicted. Future devices: aims of future developments are better conformability (foam-based devices such as CLAAS), reducing the footprint of foreign material (left atrial appendage obliteration, i.e. Laminar device), and less thrombogenicity by anti-thrombotic covering. IVC, inferior vena cava; LIPV, left inferior pulmonary vein; LSPV, left superior pulmonary vein; RIPV, right inferior pulmonary vein; RSPV, right superior pulmonary vein; S-LAAC, surgical left atrial appendage closure; SVC, superior vena cava.