Left atrial appendage occlusion in an older population cohort

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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

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

Published on: February 26, 2013

33.5K

Michael Killian1, James O'Regan2, Ruth Torre3

  • 1Bon Secours Hospital, College Road, Cork, Ireland. 111344501@umail.ucc.ie.

Irish Journal of Medical Science
|April 3, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Left atrial appendage occlusion shows promise for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation who cannot use blood thinners. Initial results indicate high success but lower rates in older, high-risk individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Medical Devices

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia and a significant stroke risk factor.
  • Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are recommended for AF patients but bleeding risk limits use.
  • Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) offers an alternative for high-bleeding-risk patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the initial safety and success of LAAO in a single center.
  • To assess LAAO outcomes in an elderly patient cohort with high bleeding risk.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 20 patients undergoing LAAO.
  • Assessment of technical and procedural success rates.
  • Documentation of complications, particularly cardiac tamponade.

Main Results:

  • The study included 20 elderly patients (average age 81), 70% male.
  • 90% had a history of major bleeding, contraindicating anticoagulation.
  • Technical success was 95%, procedural success was 80%. Cardiac tamponade occurred in 10%.

Conclusions:

  • This study reports lower technical and procedural success rates for LAAO compared to historical data.
  • Outcomes were observed in an older population with higher stroke and bleeding risk scores.
  • LAAO demonstrates feasibility but requires careful consideration in high-risk AF patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
Atrial fibrillationLeft atrial appendageLeft atrial appendage occlusionOlder population

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