Pericardial patch closure of left atrial appendage orifice

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Cardiac Surgery Techniques
• Thoracic Surgery

Background:

• The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a common source of thromboembolism in conditions like atrial fibrillation.
• Effective closure of the LAA is crucial to reduce stroke risk in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
• Existing LAA closure methods may have limitations or require specialized devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and evaluate a pericardial patch technique for LAA orifice closure.
• To assess the feasibility of this technique in conjunction with mitral valve surgery.
• To provide a reproducible surgical method for LAA exclusion.

Main Methods:

• Seven patients underwent LAA orifice closure using a glutaraldehyde-treated pericardial patch.
• A standardized suturing technique involving 5-to-7 U-sutures of 4-0 Prolene was employed.
• The pericardial patch was secured with continuous sutures after precise orifice measurement.

Main Results:

• The pericardial patch closure technique was successfully applied in all seven patients.
• The method allowed for accurate sizing and secure closure of the LAA orifice.
• No immediate complications related to the LAA closure were reported in this series.

Conclusions:

• Pericardial patch closure of the left atrial appendage orifice is a viable and effective technique.
• This method can be safely integrated with mitral valve repair or replacement procedures.
• The described technique offers a reliable surgical option for LAA exclusion to prevent thromboembolism.