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Published on: February 26, 2013
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Left Atrial Appendage Ligation Using the AtriClip Device: Single-Center Study of Device Safety and Efficacy
Armin Kiankhooy1, Bing Liem2, Gansevoort H Dunnington1
1Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Adventist Health-St Helena Hospital, CA, USA.
Innovations (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|May 9, 2022
Summary
The AtriClip device effectively closes the left atrial appendage (LAA) during heart surgery in atrial fibrillation patients, significantly reducing stroke risk. This study shows a 96% success rate with no device-related thrombus, confirming its safety and efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases stroke risk due to potential clots in the left atrial appendage (LAA).
- LAA occlusion during cardiac surgery aims to prevent embolic stroke.
- The optimal LAA occlusion method remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the AtriClip epicardial occlusion device for LAA closure.
- To assess outcomes at 1-year follow-up using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of 97 cardiac surgical patients with AF undergoing LAA AtriClip placement.
- Assessment of clip placement, successful closure, residual pouch, LAA flow, and device-related thrombus (DRT).
- 1-year follow-up with TEE and 3D imaging.
Main Results:
- Successful LAA closure was achieved in 96% of patients (93/97).
- No instances of clip migration or DRT were observed.
- No postoperative thromboembolic events occurred during the study's TEE follow-up.
Conclusions:
- The AtriClip device offers a safe and effective method for surgical LAA occlusion.
- It demonstrates a high success rate for closure without complications like DRT.
- This occlusion technique is suitable for patients undergoing cardiac ablation procedures.
