Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Imaging assessment after percutaneous left atrial appendage closure: from immediate to long-term follow-up
Pedro Cepas-Guillén1, David R Holmes2, Joao Cavalcante3
1Service de Cardiologie, Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec - Université Laval, 2725 Chemin Ste-Foy. G1V4G5, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
Insights
Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) benefits patients with atrial fibrillation, but device complications require surveillance. This review details imaging modalities and proposes a roadmap for optimal post-procedure follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Interventional Procedures
Background:
- Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is increasingly used for atrial fibrillation management.
- While procedural safety has improved, device-related complications remain a concern, affecting patient outcomes.
- Effective surveillance is crucial to mitigate these post-procedural risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the distinct characteristics of various imaging modalities used for LAAC surveillance.
- To highlight key findings for assessing device-related complications during follow-up.
- To propose an optimized roadmap for clinical imaging surveillance from discharge to long-term follow-up.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of current literature on imaging modalities for LAAC surveillance.
- Analysis of imaging findings associated with device-related complications.
- Development of a proposed surveillance strategy based on evidence and expert consensus.
Main Results:
- Different imaging modalities (e.g., echocardiography, CT, MRI) offer complementary information for LAAC assessment.
- Specific imaging findings are indicative of potential device-related complications like thrombus, leak, or device migration.
- A combined imaging approach is recommended for comprehensive patient monitoring.
Conclusions:
- Post-LAAC surveillance imaging is mandatory to detect and manage device-related complications.
- An integrated imaging strategy utilizing the strengths of various modalities is essential for optimal patient care.
- The proposed surveillance roadmap aims to standardize and improve long-term follow-up after LAAC.
Abstract:
Growing evidence has demonstrated the clinical benefit of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) in patients with atrial fibrillation. Although procedural complication rates have declined with increasing experience, post-procedural device-related complications persist, impacting prognosis and reducing the long-term benefits of the procedure. Given the potential impact of these complications, surveillance imaging after LAAC is mandatory. Currently, different imaging modalities offer unique advantages to manage these complications which warrant a combined approach to optimize both short- and long-term follow-up. The aims of this review are to explore the distinct characteristics of each imaging modality, highlighting the primary findings to be assessed during follow-up imaging. Additionally, we propose an optimized clinical imaging surveillance roadmap from discharge to long-term follow-up.
