Left atrial appendage closure device implantation guided with fluoroscopy only: Long-term results

Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure device is an alternative to anticoagulants for stroke prevention in selected atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. The LAA device implantation is safe with short period of learning curve. The standard implantation technique warrants a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guided and general anesthesia. In region of Asia Pacific as well as Indonesia, both TEE and general anesthesia are not always available in district hospital. We studied the safety and efficacy of Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (ACP) implantation guided by fluoroscopy only and without general anesthesia.

Consecutive nonvalvular AF patients with CHA₂DS₂VASc score of ≥2 and HASBLED score of ≥3 are participated. Patients requiring long-life anticoagulant for any other indication are excluded. The choice of implanted first or second-generation ACP is that with excess size of 2-4 mm of measured landing zone diameter.

Twenty-five subjects were implanted ACP by means fluoroscopy only (Group A) and 28 subjects using standard technique group (Group B). The median AF duration was 36 months (6-276 months) and majority of patients (49%) are having permanent AF. The mean CHA2DS2VASc score is 3.9 ± 1.63. Successful implantation of ACPs was 96% in both groups. Nonfatal pericardial effusion occurred in three patients. During 75 weeks of follow-up period, there were no significant differences of stroke event and death between groups.

ACP implantation guided with fluoroscopy only is feasible and safe.