Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Left atrial structure and function after percutaneous left atrial appendage transcatheter occlusion (PLAATO):
Ibrahim R Hanna1, Paul Kolm, Randolph Martin
1Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.
Insights
The percutaneous left atrial appendage transcatheter occlusion (PLAATO) device effectively seals the left atrial appendage. This procedure showed no significant impact on the mitral valve or pulmonary vein structure and function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation poses a risk of stroke due to emboli from the left atrial appendage.
- The PLAATO device offers an alternative to warfarin for stroke risk reduction in specific patient populations.
- The impact of PLAATO on adjacent cardiac structures was previously unreported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of PLAATO on the anatomical and hemodynamic characteristics of the mitral valve (MV) and left upper pulmonary vein (LUPV).
- To assess the safety and efficacy of PLAATO concerning adjacent cardiac structures.
Main Methods:
- Transesophageal echocardiography was performed at baseline, one, and six months post-procedure.
- Measurements included left atrial and LUPV dimensions, mitral regurgitation severity, and flow velocities.
- Device stability and residual flow were also assessed.
Main Results:
- No significant changes were observed in LUPV diameter or flow velocities over six months.
- Left atrial size, mitral regurgitation, and MV E-wave velocities remained stable.
- PLAATO devices were stable with minimal residual flow, indicating successful occlusion.
Conclusions:
- PLAATO effectively seals the left atrial appendage.
- The procedure demonstrated no significant adverse effects on the mitral valve or left upper pulmonary vein.
- PLAATO is a safe and effective option for stroke risk reduction in eligible patients.
Objectives:
This study was designed to evaluate the effects of percutaneous left atrial appendage transcatheter occlusion (PLAATO) on the anatomic and hemodynamic properties of the mitral valve (MV) and left upper pulmonary vein (LUPV).
Background:
PLAATO is a device designed to seal the neck of the left atrial (LA) appendage and reduce embolization in patients with atrial fibrillation intolerant of warfarin. The impact of deployment of this device on adjacent structures has not been reported.
Methods:
Patients with atrial fibrillation participating in the ongoing study for evaluation of PLAATO were enrolled. Transesophageal echocardiographies at baseline, one, and six months were reviewed to measure LA and LUPV dimensions, degree of mitral regurgitation, stability of the device, peak MV E-wave velocity, and peak systolic and diastolic flow velocities in the LUPV. Data were analyzed by a linear mixed model for repeated measures.
Results:
Eleven patients (mean age of 72 +/- 7 years) completed six months of follow-up. Left upper pulmonary vein diameter (mean: 1.55, 1.61, 1.54 cm, p = 0.13) and peak systolic (mean: 0.38, 0.34, 0.31 m/s, p = 0.72) and diastolic flow velocities (mean: 0.39, 0.40, 0.42 m/s, p = 0.46) did not differ over the follow-up period. Left atrial size, mitral regurgitation severity, and MV peak E-wave velocities (mean: 0.94, 0.94, 0.82 m/s, p = 0.58) showed no significant change from baseline. The devices remained stable at their sites of deployment with minimal residual flow around them.
Conclusions:
PLAATO achieved an adequate seal of the neck of the left atrial appendage without significant effect on the structure or function of the LA and LUPV.
