Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
28:13
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
The SIMPLE registry: SIMplified approach for percutaneous LAA Exclusion
Stefano Grossi1, Karin Nentwich2, Michael Hoskins3
1Azienda Ospedaliera Ordine Mauriziano di Torino, Turin, Italy; Biosense Webster Italy, Johnson&Johnson MedTech Italy, Pomezia, Italy.
Heart Rhythm
|May 16, 2026
Summary
A modified percutaneous epicardial left atrial appendage (LAA) ligation approach using a pigtail catheter is feasible, safe, and effective for LAA closure. This simplified technique shows high rates of complete closure with minimal complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Percutaneous epicardial left atrial appendage (LAA) ligation is often perceived as complex due to multiple steps and tools.
- A need exists for simplified and effective LAA closure techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of a modified LAA ligation approach.
- To assess the efficacy of a pigtail-only guided LARIAT snare technique for LAA closure.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective multicenter study of 104 patients undergoing modified LAA ligation.
- LARIAT snare guided over a pigtail LAA angiogram for ligation.
- Collection of periprocedural and 30-day adverse events; follow-up imaging at 6 weeks to 3 months.
Main Results:
- Acute complete LAA closure in 96.8% of patients; 95.5% achieved complete closure on follow-up imaging.
- No peri-procedural complications observed.
- Three patients developed delayed inflammatory pericardial effusion; two also underwent ablation.
Conclusions:
- The modified pigtail-only LAA ligation approach is feasible, safe, and effective for achieving LAA closure.
- Further research is required to determine the long-term efficacy of this simplified LAA ligation method.
