Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Percutaneous left atrial appendage transcatheter occlusion in patients with chronic nonvalvular atrial fibrillation:
Gian Paolo Ussia1, Sarah Mangiafico, Agata Privitera
1Cardiology Division, University of Catania, Ferrarotto Hospital, Italy. gianpaolo_ussia@virgilio.it
Objective:
The percutaneous left atrial appendage transcatheter occlusion system (PLAATO, ev3 Inc., Plymouth, Minnesota, USA) is a novel technique of interventional cardiology, which has recently been proposed for the nonpharmacological prophylaxis of thromboembolic events in patients with chronic nonvalvular atrial fibrillation ineligible for oral anticoagulation therapy with vitamin K antagonists. The aim of this study was to assess the safety, feasibility and mid-term efficacy of this procedure.
Methods:
We conducted a preliminary institutional experience on a selected population of seven patients (two male, five female, mean age 64 +/- 7 years) with chronic nonvalvular atrial fibrillation at high risk for thromboembolic events with contraindications for oral anticoagulation therapy with vitamin K antagonists.
Results:
All procedures were successfully performed without any complications at a mean follow-up of 7 +/- 4 months and no thromboembolic or adverse cardiac events occurred.
Conclusions:
Percutaneous left atrial appendage transcatheter occlusion is safe and feasible, without any complications at mid-term follow-up.
