Amplatzer Cardiac Plug for Stroke Prevention in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Bigger Left Atrial Appendix...

Left atrial appendage (LAA) dimensions have been shown as an independent predictor of higher risk for stroke in AF patients. Little data exist on the outcomes after LAA closure in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) who have relatively bigger LAA size. This study aims to evaluate the results associated with LAA closure with the Amplatzer cardiac plug (ACP, AGA, St. Jude Medical, Minneapolis, MN) in bigger LAA size. A total of 25 patients with NVAF underwent LAA closure with the ACP device. All patients received short-term (up to 3 months) dual-antiplatelet therapy (clopidogrel and aspirin) after the procedure and aspirin only thereafter. A transesophageal echocardiography was performed in all patients at the 3- and 6-month follow-ups. No patient was lost to follow-up (≥ 12 months in all patients). The mean age, CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, and HAS-BLED score were 66.2 ± 8.79 years; 3.2 ± 1.46 and 2.4 ± 1.0, respectively. The average sizes of the LAA landing zone and ostium were 23.08 ± 5.0 and 24.9 ± 4.4 mm, respectively. The procedure was successful in 23 (92%) patients and was canceled in 2 (8%) patients due to huge LAA dimensions. In 56% of the patients "pull and release" technique is needed to appropriately implant the ACP. During a mean follow-up of 12 months, no cases of periprocedural stroke and no mortality were observed. In patients with NVAF at high risk of cardioembolic events and big LAA size, LAA closure using the ACP device is safe and effective.