Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 4, 2026
28:13
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
34.4K
Differentiating LAA Thrombus From Spontaneous Echo Contrast for Safe LAA Occlusion
Ashraf Sliem1, Steven Douedi2, Chunheung Chen2
1Internal Medicine Department, Southern Ocean Medical Center, Manahawkin, New Jersey, USA.
JACC. Case Reports
|April 3, 2026
Summary
Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion prevents stroke in atrial fibrillation patients. Differentiating LAA thrombus from sludge using advanced imaging is crucial for safe device implantation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion is a key stroke prevention strategy for atrial fibrillation patients unable to use anticoagulation.
- LAA thrombus identification is critical, as it contraindicates device implantation.
- Distinguishing thrombus from spontaneous echo contrast (sludge) on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) poses a diagnostic challenge.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography
866
Echocardiography plays a role in assessing cardiac health and detecting heart conditions, with various types providing critical insights for diagnosis and treatment.
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for...
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for...
866
01:24Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization
1.2K
Left heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function and structure of the left side of the heart. It is generally performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as valve abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart defects.Diagnostic and therapeutic purposesLeft heart catheterization serves various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Assessing coronary artery bypass grafts.Evaluating coronary artery disease in...
1.2K
01:23Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
459
Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
459