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Updated: May 13, 2026
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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
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Position Statement on Cardiac Computed Tomography Following Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion
Kasper Korsholm1, Xavier Iriart2, Jacqueline Saw3
1Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
JACC. Cardiovascular Interventions
|August 14, 2024
Summary
Cardiac CT imaging offers a noninvasive approach for monitoring patients after left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for stroke prevention. This review proposes standardized CCT protocols for improved interpretation of post-LAAO findings.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is an emerging stroke prevention therapy for atrial fibrillation.
- Cardiac imaging is crucial for LAAO planning, guidance, and follow-up.
- Cardiac computed tomography (CCT) offers advancements for noninvasive LAAO assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a standardized approach for CCT acquisition and interpretation post-LAAO.
- To provide expert consensus on defining essential CCT findings after LAAO.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review on CCT in LAAO.
- Expert consensus among European and North American specialists.
- Focus on standardized protocols for image acquisition and interpretation.
Main Results:
- CCT provides high-resolution, noninvasive assessment of LAAO.
- CCT can detect device-specific complications like peridevice leak and thrombosis.
- Novel CCT findings include hypoattenuated thickening and appendage contrast patency.
Conclusions:
- Standardized CCT protocols are needed for reliable post-LAAO evaluation.
- CCT offers advantages over transesophageal echocardiography in detecting LAAO complications.
- This paper provides a practical guide for CCT use in LAAO follow-up.
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