The Effect of Minimally Invasive Thoracoscopic Left Atrial Appendage Excision on Cardiac Dynamic and Endocrine...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiac Surgery
• Electrophysiology

Background:

• Left atrial appendage (LAA) isolation is a key surgical strategy to reduce thromboembolic risk in atrial fibrillation (AF).
• Evaluating the functional impact of LAA excision is crucial for understanding its role in AF management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the short-term effects of minimally invasive LAA excision on left atrial (LA) dynamic and endocrine function in AF patients.
• To determine if LAA excision impacts natriuretic peptide levels and LA function post-procedure.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 52 paroxysmal AF patients undergoing minimally invasive LAA excision were studied.
• Left atrial dynamic function was assessed using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography.
• Natriuretic peptide plasma levels were measured via ELISA at baseline, 7 days, and 3 months post-surgery.

Main Results:

• 88.5% of patients maintained sinus rhythm at 3 months post-procedure with no major complications or embolic events.
• A modest decrease in LA volume was observed, with dynamic function largely recovering by 3 months.
• No significant changes in natriuretic peptide levels were detected, despite a transient decrease at 7 days.

Conclusions:

• Minimally invasive LAA excision in AF patients does not lead to significant short-term alterations in left atrial dynamics.
• The procedure does not appear to substantially affect natriuretic peptide secretion in the evaluated timeframe.