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.

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