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Updated: Oct 31, 2025
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Single-Incision Thoracoscopic Left Atrial Appendage Ligation: First Reported Experience
124682 Division of Cardiac & Thoracic Surgery, Providence Regional Medical Center Everett, WA, USA.
Insights
Cardiac surgeons can use left atrial appendage ligation to stop blood thinners and reduce stroke risk in atrial fibrillation patients. This study details a new single-incision technique for this procedure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Cardiac Electrophysiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation is a growing concern for cardiac surgeons, increasing stroke risk.
- Oral anticoagulation is standard but may be discontinued due to patient choice or contraindications.
- Left atrial appendage ligation offers an alternative to reduce thromboembolic events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the technique for uniportal, thoracoscopic epicardial left atrial appendage ligation.
- To present the first reported successful case of this minimally invasive approach.
Main Methods:
- Uniportal thoracoscopic surgery was used for epicardial left atrial appendage ligation.
- Detailed description of the surgical technique and instrumentation.
Main Results:
- Successful ligation of the left atrial appendage was achieved.
- The procedure was performed using a single incision, minimizing invasiveness.
Conclusions:
- Uniportal thoracoscopic epicardial left atrial appendage ligation is a feasible and effective technique.
- This approach allows for the cessation of oral anticoagulation while mitigating stroke risk.
Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation is an increasingly prevalent entity faced by cardiac surgeons. While oral anticoagulation therapy aims to reduce the risk of thromboembolic events patients may desire to discontinue these medications or develop contraindications to their use. Left atrial appendage ligation permits stoppage of oral anticoagulation while also reducing the risk of cerebrovascular events. This manuscript describes the techniques employed in the first reported successful uniportal/single-incision, thoracoscopic epicardial left atrial appendage ligation.
