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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Transcatheter closure of the left atrial appendage: initial experience with the Amplatzer cardiac plug device
Josep Rodés-Cabau1, Jean Champagne, Mathieu Bernier
1Quebec Heart & Lung Institute, Laval University, 2725 Chemin Ste-Foy, Québec City, Québec, Canada. josep.rodes@criucpq.ulaval.ca
Insights
Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure offers a warfarin alternative for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients at high cardioembolic risk. This case report details successful LAA closure using the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug in two patients with bleeding contraindications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) increases stroke risk.
- Warfarin is contraindicated in some AF patients due to bleeding risks.
- Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is an alternative stroke risk reduction strategy.
Observation:
- Two patients with AF and high cardioembolic risk (CHADS2 ≥2) had bleeding complications with warfarin.
- Both patients underwent successful percutaneous LAA closure.
- A novel device, the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug, was utilized for LAA closure.
Findings:
- The Amplatzer Cardiac Plug facilitated successful LAA closure in both patients.
- The procedure involved specific technical aspects discussed in the report.
- The device demonstrated potential advantages for LAA closure.
Implications:
- Percutaneous LAA closure with the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug may be a viable option for high-risk AF patients unsuitable for warfarin.
- This approach could offer a safe and effective method for reducing cardioembolic events.
- Further research into this device and procedure is warranted.
Abstract:
Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure might reduce the cardioembolic risk in those patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who are not candidates for warfarin therapy. This report presents the case of two patients with atrial fibrillation who had contraindications for warfarin therapy due to bleeding complications and a high cardioembolic risk (CHADS2 > or =2) who underwent successful LAA closure with a new device, the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug. The characteristics of the device and the main technical aspects of the procedure, as well as the potential advantages of this device for LAA closure, are discussed.
