[Application of Mimics three-dimensional imaging in percutaneous left atrial appendage closure with Watchman system]

The three-dimensional (3D) structure of left atrial appendage (LAA) in atrial fibrillation patients were reconstructed by Mimics 3D imaging system, aiming at guiding for selection of both the size and location of the closure devices and making preliminary risk assessment of LAA closure with Watchman system.

Inclusion criteria were: ten voluntary patients with both atrial fibrillation and indication for LAA closure aging from 40 to 85 years old with contraindication for oral anticoagulants or unwillingness to take long-term oral anticoagulation therapy from May to December 2014. 3D reconstruction of LAA was preoperatively made by Mimics 3D imaging system. With the Mimics 3D reconstruction model and the results of both transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and LAA radiography, the size and location for the closure device were chosen. The devices were planted at the ostium of the LAA.

Ten atrial fibrillation patients were enrolled (average age: (66.3±11.9) years old) and all successfully implanted with the Watchman LAA closure devices. Nine of them were with non-valvular atrial fibrillation with average CHADS2-VAS score (3.2±1.7) and HAS-BLED score (2.7±1.6). The rest one was a valvular atrial fibrillation patient with the history of the percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) without surgical indications of mitral valve replacement (MVR). There was no blood leakage around the device by regular postoperative TEE and LAA radiography examinations. There were no complications of bleeding, embolism, or stroke through both at peri-operative period and at 1 month follow-up post procedure.

Preoperative Mimics 3D reconstruction of LAA by Mimics 3D imaging system among atrial fibrillation patients provides essential information guiding the successful LAA closures.