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Updated: Apr 13, 2026
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Left atrial appendage closure with amplatzer septal occluder in patients with atrial fibrillation: CT-based
Paul T Vaitkus1, Dee Dee Wang, Mayra Guerrero
1Cardiology Division, Mailstop 111, Bay Pines VA Medical Center, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, Bay Pines, FL 33744 USA. paultvaitkus@yahoo.com.
Insights
Computed tomography (CT) scans help select the right Amplatzer septal occluders for left atrial appendage (LAA) closure in atrial fibrillation patients. This optimizes device selection for successful LAA occlusion.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Interventional Procedures
Background:
- Patients with atrial fibrillation often have contraindications to anticoagulation.
- Limited options exist for left atrial appendage (LAA) closure in these patients.
- Off-label use of cardiac devices is an alternative for LAA closure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze left atrial appendage (LAA) dimensions using computed tomography (CT) scans.
- To define optimal selection criteria for Amplatzer septal occluders for LAA closure.
- To improve device selection for effective LAA occlusion.
Main Methods:
- Inclusion of consecutive patients undergoing LAA occlusion with an Amplatzer device and prior CT scanning.
- Measurement of numerous LAA dimensions to ensure optimal device selection.
- Evaluation of device anchoring and sealing in the LAA.
Main Results:
- Successful Amplatzer deployment in 8 out of 11 eligible patients.
- Demonstration of good anchoring when the "left atrial" disc matched the LAA landing zone.
- Proper sizing of the "right atrial" disc to cover the LAA orifice.
Conclusions:
- Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion using Amplatzer devices is a feasible option for patients with atrial fibrillation and contraindications to anticoagulation.
- CT-based measurement of LAA dimensions is crucial for optimizing Amplatzer device selection.
- Careful attention to anatomical details aids in successful LAA closure.
Objectives:
This study analyzed left atrial appendage (LAA) dimensions measured by computed tomography (CT) scan to define optimal selection of Amplatzer septal occluders for LAA closure.
Background:
Patients with atrial fibrillation and contraindications to anticoagulation have limited options for LAA closure until approval of dedicated closure devices. Off-label use of available cardiac devices represents one option.
Methods:
All consecutive patients undergoing LAA occlusion with an Amplatzer device who had undergone CT scanning were included. Numerous dimensions of the LAA were measured in order to optimally select a device that would simultaneously provide good anchoring and good sealing of the LAA.
Results:
Of 11 eligible patients, 8 had successful Amplatzer deployment. In all successful cases, the putative "left atrial" disc was well matched to the "landing zone" of the LAA, proving good anchoring. The proximal (putative "right atrial") disc was sized to cover the LAA orifice. The failed cases shed light on procedural variables.
Conclusions:
LAA occlusion with an Amplatzer device is a viable option for patients with atrial fibrillation and contraindications to anticoagulation. Careful attention to LAA dimensions as measured on CT scan assists in optimizing device selection.
