Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
23:33

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

84.0K

Right Atrial Appendage Thrombus in Atrial Fibrillation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Aaron C Richardson1, Michael Omar1, Gladys Velarde1

  • 1University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA.

Journal of Investigative Medicine High Impact Case Reports
|April 26, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) patients can develop clots in the right atrial appendage (RAA), though less common than in the left. Management for RAA clots should mirror LAA clot treatment, involving anticoagulation and delayed cardioversion.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Thrombosis

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a prevalent heart rhythm disorder affecting 2-3% of adults in Europe and North America.
  • Left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombi are common in Afib, leading to stroke and systemic events.
  • Right atrial appendage (RAA) thrombi in Afib patients are less understood but pose risks like pulmonary embolism.

Observation:

  • Right atrial appendage thrombi formation in Afib patients is not well understood.
  • RAA thrombi can lead to pulmonary embolism or paradoxical embolization.
  • The prevalence and clinical impact of RAA thrombi require further investigation.

Findings:

  • Management strategies for RAA thrombi should align with those for LAA thrombi.
  • Treatment includes anticoagulation with warfarin to maintain an international normalized ratio of 2 to 3.
  • Delaying cardioversion is a recommended management step for RAA thrombi.

Implications:

  • Standardized management protocols for RAA thrombi can improve patient outcomes.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the prevalence and complications of RAA thrombi.
  • This understanding can guide clinical decision-making in Afib patients with RAA thrombi.

Keywords:
atrial fibrillationcardiologyright atrial appendage thrombus

More Related Videos

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

33.6K
Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation08:10

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: July 20, 2022

1.9K

Related Concept Videos

Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins01:30

Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins

Hemostasis is a crucial process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels. It involves various mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and activation, and fibrin formation. The importance of each mechanism depends on the type of vessel injury. In contrast, thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels, leading to potential complications if the clot obstructs blood flow. Thrombosis can be caused by increased coagulability of the...
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction01:30

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction

Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...