Isoproterenol-Assisted Differentiation Between Sludge and Organized Thrombus to Guide Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion

Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is contraindicated in presence of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus. It is often difficult to separate LAA sludge from an organized thrombus on transesophageal echocardiography. The inability to differentiate sludge from thrombus leads to patients not receiving LAAO despite contraindication to long-term anticoagulation. Retrospective 6-month follow-up outcomes are reported on patients undergoing LAAO in presence of LAA sludge cleared by isoproterenol. This study showed no increased risk of transient ischemic attack/stroke in the 6 months following LAAO in the presence of LAA sludge, which was cleared with isoproterenol. This study suggests a role for isoproterenol in differentiating sludge from thrombus.