Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization

Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization

Left heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function and structure of the left side of the heart. It is generally performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as valve abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart defects.Diagnostic and therapeutic purposesLeft heart catheterization serves various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Assessing coronary artery bypass grafts.Evaluating coronary artery disease in...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Ecological momentary assessment for smoking cessation: abridged secondary publication.

Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi·2026

Same author

[Analysis of risk factors of diaphragmatic hernia after thoraco-laparoscopic minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy].

Zhonghua wai ke za zhi [Chinese journal of surgery]·2025

Same author

Gastrointestinal: A cystic-solid pancreatic mass: pancreatitis or adenocarcinoma?

Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology·2023

Same author

Values of optical coherence tomography angiography for diagnosing diabetic retinopathy and evaluating treatment outcomes.

Journal francais d'ophtalmologie·2022

Same author

Gastrointestinal: Pitfalls of an abruptly elevated alpha-fetoprotein in a chronic hepatitis B carrier.

Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology·2022

Same author

[Establishment of a platelet production model by bone marrow cavity transplantation of mouse primary megakaryocytes].

Zhonghua xue ye xue za zhi = Zhonghua xueyexue zazhi·2022

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

Occluding the left atrial appendage: anatomical considerations.

P Su¹, K P McCarthy, S Y Ho

¹National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, Guy Scadding Building, Dovehouse Street, London SW3 6LY, UK.

Heart (British Cardiac Society)

|May 10, 2007

Summary

Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion can reduce stroke risk in atrial fibrillation. This study details LAA anatomy and proximity to critical structures, identifying potential risks during procedures.

More Related Videos

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

Rodent Working Heart Model for the Study of Myocardial Performance and Oxygen Consumption

Rodent Working Heart Model for the Study of Myocardial Performance and Oxygen Consumption

Published on: August 16, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

Rodent Working Heart Model for the Study of Myocardial Performance and Oxygen Consumption

Rodent Working Heart Model for the Study of Myocardial Performance and Oxygen Consumption

Published on: August 16, 2016

Area of Science:

Cardiovascular Anatomy
Interventional Cardiology
Cardiac Surgery

Background:

Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion is a strategy to prevent thromboembolic events in atrial fibrillation patients.
Understanding LAA anatomy is crucial for safe and effective procedural interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

To anatomically characterize the LAA and its relationship with adjacent structures.
To identify potential risks to neighboring anatomy during LAA occlusion procedures.

Main Methods:

Gross examination of 31 human heart specimens.
Histological analysis of four LAA samples.
Endocast creation for 11 LAA specimens.
Measurement of LAA orifice dimensions and proximity to pulmonary veins, mitral valve, and coronary arteries.

Main Results:

The LAA orifice is typically oval, with a mean diameter of 17.4 mm.
The LAA orifice is closely situated to the left superior pulmonary vein (mean 11.1 mm) and mitral valve (mean 10.7 mm).
The left anterior descending artery, circumflex artery, and sinus node artery are in proximity; thin atrial walls and crevices are common near the LAA os.

Conclusions:

The LAA orifice anatomy presents potential risks to the left superior pulmonary vein, mitral valve, and left anterior descending coronary artery during occlusion procedures.
Common findings of thin atrial walls and crevices near the LAA necessitate careful consideration during interventions.