Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
23:33

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

83.5K

Transcatheter Structural Heart Disease Interventions and Concomitant Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: A State of the

Kyriakos Dimitriadis1, Nikolaos Pyrpyris1, Konstantinos Aznaouridis1

  • 1First Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece.

The Canadian Journal of Cardiology
|September 5, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Combining left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with structural heart disease (SHD) procedures offers a safe, single-visit approach to prevent strokes in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. This strategy aims to reduce bleeding risks associated with long-term anticoagulation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Structural Heart Disease

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia in valvular heart disease patients, increasing stroke risk.
  • Anticoagulation for AF stroke prevention can lead to bleeding complications, especially in high-risk individuals.
  • Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is an effective stroke prevention method in AF, mitigating bleeding risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the safety and efficacy of combined structural heart disease (SHD) procedures with LAAO.
  • To explore the potential of a "1-stop shop" approach for managing AF and SHD concurrently.
  • To identify current evidence, indications, and future directions for combined SHD+LAAO procedures.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing clinical evidence and indications for combined SHD+LAAO procedures.
  • Analysis of safety and efficacy data from combined interventions in conditions like aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and atrial septal defects.
  • Evaluation of the feasibility of performing SHD procedures and LAAO in a single session.

Main Results:

  • Combined SHD+LAAO procedures can be safely performed without increased adverse events.
  • This combined approach has the potential to limit bleeding risks compared to traditional anticoagulation.
  • Evidence supports the efficacy of combined procedures in preventing stroke events in AF patients.

Conclusions:

  • Combining LAAO with index SHD procedures is a promising strategy for stroke prevention in AF patients.
  • The "1-stop shop" approach offers a safe and potentially more effective management pathway.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the long-term benefits and optimal application of these combined procedures.

More Related Videos

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation28:13

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

Published on: February 26, 2013

33.4K
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure07:41

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure

Published on: February 8, 2022

3.6K

Related Concept Videos

Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction01:20

Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction

Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...