Novel technique of left atrial appendage occlusion-a pilot study

A clot in the left atrial appendage (LAA) is an important cause of cardio-embolic stroke. Concomitant occlusion of the LAA during cardiac surgery is found to have reduced postoperative stroke. A study was designed to observe the results of LAA occlusion in 17 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and aortic valve replacement (AVR). The LAA was occluded epicardially with a SIRONIX 60-mm linear noncutting stapler (Healthium Medtech Pvt limited, Peenya, Bengaluru). The effectiveness of occlusion was confirmed by trans-esophageal echocardiography and at 2 years of follow-up with trans-thoracic echocardiography. There was no re-canalization of the LAA, and the patients remained in sinus rhythm. Concomitant LAA occlusion with a linear stapler during cardiac surgery is a safe, feasible, and reproducible option.