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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
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Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure using the TrueFusion™ fusion-imaging technology
Dominik Nelles1, Jan Wilko Schrickel1, Georg Nickenig1
1Medizinische Klinik Und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105, Bonn, Germany.
Summary
Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAc) using TrueFusion™ imaging is safe and feasible for patients needing anticoagulation but facing bleeding risks. This approach enhances precision and reduces radiation exposure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Interventional Procedures
Background:
- Patients with atrial fibrillation often require oral anticoagulation.
- Recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding poses a significant challenge for anticoagulation management.
- Left atrial appendage closure (LAAc) offers an alternative to long-term anticoagulation.
Observation:
- A case of successful percutaneous LAAc is described in a patient with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and recurrent gastric ulcer bleeding.
- The procedure utilized the TrueFusion™ fusion-imaging system, integrating ultrasound and live fluoroscopy.
- A 20 mm Amplatzer Amulet™ device was implanted under mild sedation with minimal contrast use.
Findings:
- The TrueFusion™ system enhanced procedural precision, potentially reducing radiation time and contrast dye.
- Intraprocedural transesophageal echocardiography confirmed complete LAA occlusion with no residual flow.
- The patient was discharged on the second postoperative day without complications.
Implications:
- Fusion imaging, combining ultrasound and fluoroscopy, demonstrates safety and feasibility for LAAc.
- This integrated approach may reduce periprocedural risks, including suboptimal device positioning.
- TrueFusion™ technology offers potential benefits in radiation dose, contrast utilization, and procedural safety for LAAc.
