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Updated: Nov 30, 2025
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Nine-year, single-centre experience of left atrial appendage occlusion: patient characteristics, procedural outcomes
Mark Abelson1, Andre Phillips2, Shirley Middlemost3
1MediClinic Vergelegen, Somerset West; University of Cape Town, South Africa.
Insights
Left atrial appendage occlusion using the Amplatzer cardiac plug is a safe procedure for atrial fibrillation patients, significantly reducing stroke risk compared to predictions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation increases stroke risk.
- Oral anticoagulants are standard but carry bleeding risks.
- Left atrial appendage occlusion offers an alternative stroke prevention strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of left atrial appendage occlusion with the Amplatzer cardiac plug.
- To assess long-term outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 114 patients undergoing left atrial appendage occlusion.
- Procedure performed by a single operator over nine years.
- Long-term follow-up averaging 38.5 months.
Main Results:
- Very low rate of major complications (< 1%).
- Zero procedural mortality.
- 65% reduction in actual versus predicted stroke rate.
Conclusions:
- Left atrial appendage occlusion with the Amplatzer cardiac plug is safe and effective.
- Achieved stroke reduction comparable to oral anticoagulants.
- Demonstrates long-term efficacy in a real-world setting.
Abstract:
This is a review of 114 patients with atrial fibrillation who had left atrial appendage occlusion with an Amplatzer cardiac plug over a nine-year period done by a single operator. This shows that the procedure can be safely performed with a very low rate of major complications (< 1%) and a zero procedural mortality rate. Long-term follow up over an average of 38.5 months showed a 65% reduction in actual versus predicted stroke rate. This is similar to that seen with oral anti-coagulants and other published trials and registries involving left atrial appendage occlusion.
