Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Expert Recommendations on Cardiac Computed Tomography for Planning Transcatheter Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion
Kasper Korsholm1, Sergio Berti2, Xavier Iriart3
1Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus Denmark.
Insights
Transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion requires pre-procedural imaging. This paper proposes a standardized cardiac computed tomography protocol to improve imaging quality and guide left atrial appendage occlusion procedures.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion is an alternative to anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation.
- Transesophageal echocardiography is the current standard for pre-procedural imaging.
- Cardiac computed tomography (CT) offers advanced imaging capabilities but lacks standardized protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a standardized protocol for cardiac CT in pre-procedural planning of left atrial appendage occlusion.
- To optimize the use of cardiac CT for improved imaging and procedural success.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research and expert consensus on cardiac CT for left atrial appendage occlusion.
- Development of a protocol covering preparation, acquisition, and interpretation of cardiac CT images.
Main Results:
- The proposed protocol standardizes cardiac CT imaging for left atrial appendage occlusion.
- It aims to enhance image quality and facilitate accurate pre-procedural planning.
Conclusions:
- A standardized cardiac CT protocol is essential for widespread adoption in left atrial appendage occlusion procedures.
- This protocol will aid clinicians in utilizing cardiac CT for successful interventions.
Abstract:
Transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion is an increasingly used alternative to oral anticoagulation in selected patients with atrial fibrillation. Pre-procedural imaging is a prerequisite to a successful intervention, with transesophageal echocardiography as the current gold standard. However, cardiac computed tomography offers improved imaging with high-quality multiplanar and 3-dimensional reconstructed images. Nevertheless, the lack of a standardized imaging protocol has slowed the adoption of cardiac computed tomography into clinical practice. On the basis of current research and expert consensus, this paper provides a protocol for the preparation, acquisition, and interpretation of cardiac computed tomographic imaging in pre-procedural planning of left atrial appendage occlusion.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization
Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization

