Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2025
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Left atrial appendage occlusion using hydrogel coils in a child
Bassel Mohammad Nijres1, Benjamin Reinking1, Osamah Aldoss1
1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
Insights
Left atrial appendage occlusion using novel hydrogel coils was successfully performed in a toddler. This innovative procedure mitigates the risk of blood clots in a young child with unique anatomical considerations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion is an established therapy for stroke risk reduction in adults.
- Data on LAA occlusion in pediatric populations, especially young children, is scarce.
- Systemic thromboembolism is a significant concern in children with specific congenital conditions.
Abstract:
Left atrial appendage occlusion in young children has not been reported before. Herein, we describe a successful occlusion using hydrogel coils in a toddler. The decision to occlude the appendage was made to mitigate the potential risk of systemic thromboembolism, given the child's unusual anatomy.
