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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Percutaneous epicardial left atrial appendage closure: intermediate-term results
Charles J Bruce1, Christopher M Stanton, Samuel J Asirvatham
1Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Internal Medicine Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology
|July 29, 2010
Summary
Percutaneous epicardial closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) using electrical navigation is a feasible method for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases stroke risk.
- Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion offers a non-pharmacologic stroke prevention strategy.
- Percutaneous epicardial LAA closure is an emerging technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the chronic safety and feasibility of percutaneous epicardial LAA closure.
- To assess the efficacy of electrical navigation in guiding LAA closure.
- To investigate the long-term outcomes of this novel LAA occlusion method.
Main Methods:
- Percutaneous epicardial access was achieved in a canine model.
- A novel ligation system utilizing electrograms (EGMs) for guidance was employed.
- Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and pathological examination assessed closure efficacy and safety.
Main Results:
- Successful LAA ligation was achieved in all subjects.
- Immediate cessation of LAA flow was observed in most subjects.
- Intermediate-term follow-up demonstrated complete closure and fibrosis with no adjacent structure damage.
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous epicardial LAA ligation guided by electrical navigation is feasible.
- The technique shows promising intermediate-term results in a canine model.
- This method may serve as a viable alternative for LAA obliteration.
