Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

34.2K

Impact of left atrial appendage morphology on thrombus formation after successful left atrial appendage occlusion:

Wulf Dieker1, Michael Behnes1, Christian Fastner1

  • 1First Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.

Scientific Reports
|January 28, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Left atrial appendage (LAA) morphology and occlusion device type did not significantly impact thrombosis after implantation. Most patients showed incomplete LAA thrombosis at six months, highlighting the need for further research on clinical consequences and optimal antithrombotic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Interventional Cardiology

Background:

  • Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion is an alternative to oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
  • Understanding LAA morphology's role in thrombosis after device implantation is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.
  • Standardized imaging is needed to assess thrombosis development in occluded LAA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the influence of different LAA morphologies on thrombosis development six months after LAA occlusion device implantation.
  • To assess the efficacy of cardiac computed tomography angiography (cCTA) with the LOVE-view algorithm for standardized LAA imaging.
  • To investigate thrombosis rates based on LAA morphology and occlusion device type.

Main Methods:

  • A standardized cardiac computed tomography angiography (cCTA) algorithm (LOVE-view) was used in 30 patients.
  • Patients received either a Watchman or Amplatzer Cardiac Plug device for LAA occlusion.
  • LAA morphology was categorized (windsock, broccoli, chicken wing), and thrombosis was assessed at six months post-implantation.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in thrombosis levels was observed regarding LAA morphology or occlusion device type.
  • Complete LAA thrombosis rates varied by morphology: 40% (broccoli), 33% (windsock), and 15% (chicken wing).
  • Overall, 13% had no thrombosis, 60% had incomplete thrombosis, and the LA/LAA density ratio differed between complete and incomplete thrombosis groups.

Conclusions:

  • Cardiac computed tomography angiography (cCTA) with the LOVE-view algorithm is a valuable tool for standardized LAA imaging.
  • Thrombosis in the occluded LAA is a progressive process, with most cases showing incomplete thrombosis at six months.
  • Further studies are required to define the clinical consequences of incomplete LAA thrombosis and guide optimal post-procedural antithrombotic treatment strategies.

More Related Videos

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation23:33

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

84.6K
Author Spotlight: Enhancing Graft Viability Assessment Through Quantitative Metrics and Innovative Reservoir Systems08:49

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Graft Viability Assessment Through Quantitative Metrics and Innovative Reservoir Systems

Published on: August 2, 2024

1.4K

Related Concept Videos

Surface Appendages of Archaea01:23

Surface Appendages of Archaea

Archaeal surface appendages are highly specialized structures essential for environmental adaptation, encompassing roles in adhesion, biofilm formation, and motility. Among these appendages, pili and archaella stand out for their distinct morphologies and functionalities, enabling archaea to thrive in diverse and often extreme environments.Pili: Adhesion and Biofilm FormationPili are filamentous structures assembled from pilin protein subunits, primarily contributing to adhesion and biofilm...
696
Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization01:24

Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization

Left heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function and structure of the left side of the heart. It is generally performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as valve abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart defects.Diagnostic and therapeutic purposesLeft heart catheterization serves various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Assessing coronary artery bypass grafts.Evaluating coronary artery disease in...
783
Computed Tomography01:10

Computed Tomography

Tomography refers to imaging by sections. Computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses computers to analyze several cross-sectional X-rays to reveal minute details about structures in the body.
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
9.0K
Ecological Succession02:17

Ecological Succession

Ecological succession is influenced by the processes of facilitation, inhibition, and toleration. Facilitation occurs when early successional species create more favorable ecological conditions for subsequent species, such as enhanced nutrient, water, or light availability. In contrast, inhibition happens when early successional species create unfavorable ecological conditions for potential successive species, such as limiting resource availability. In some cases, later successional species...
21.7K
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
614
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography01:27

Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography

DefinitionComputed Tomography (CT) of the genitourinary (GU) tract is a non-invasive imaging modality that utilizes X-rays and computer processing to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the urinary system, encompassing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and adjacent structures such as the adrenal glands.PurposeCT scans of the GU tract serve several diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Diseases: Detects kidney stones, tumors, cysts, and congenital...
418