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Updated: Apr 13, 2026
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Early Healing After Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Confirmed by Surgical Explantation
Kaoru Hasegawa1, Minoru Yambe1, Kazushi Kinebuchi1
1Faculty of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Japan.
Background:
Healing of left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion devices is believed to occur over several months; however, direct histological confirmation in humans remains limited.
Case Summary:
An elderly patient underwent LAA occlusion and subsequently required total arch replacement 3 months later because of progressive aortic pathology. The device had previously been noted to have suboptimal positioning. Surgical explantation provided a rare opportunity for direct tissue evaluation. Histological examination demonstrated fibrous tissue coverage over the portion of the device in contact with the LAA wall, whereas the atrial-facing filter surface showed no tissue coverage.
Discussion:
This case provides rare direct histological evidence of early fibrous tissue coverage after LAA occlusion and offers unique insight into the biological healing process after device implantation.
Take-Home Message:
Early fibrous coverage after LAA occlusion may occur within 3 months, as demonstrated by surgical explantation.
