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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
28:13
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Thrombus formation after left atrial appendage exclusion using an Amplatzer cardiac plug device
Ignacio Cruz-Gonzalez1, Javier Martín Moreiras, Eulogio García
1Division of Cardiology, University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain. cruzgonzalez.ignacio@gmail.com
Summary
Left atrial appendage closure using the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (ACP) is feasible. A rare thrombus formation on the ACP device surface was successfully treated with anticoagulation therapy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Left atrial appendage closure is an alternative to oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation.
- The Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (ACP) is a device used for LAA closure.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old male with permanent atrial fibrillation and stroke history underwent successful ACP implantation.
- The patient developed a thrombus on the atrial surface of the ACP device after 4 weeks, coinciding with cessation of clopidogrel due to gastrointestinal bleeding.
Findings:
- Echocardiography confirmed LAA exclusion but revealed device-related thrombus.
- Treatment with aspirin and enoxaparin led to complete thrombus resolution within 2 months.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare complication of ACP device implantation: thrombus formation.
- Prompt anticoagulation therapy can effectively manage device-related thrombus, ensuring successful LAA closure outcomes.
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