Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 19, 2026
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Suture-Mediated Vascular Closure Improves Same-Day Discharge in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation and Left Atrial
Mark J Shen1, Shal T Shen1, Hannah Serrano2
1Department of Cardiovascular Research, Cardiovascular Medicine, PLLC, Moline, Illinois, USA.
Background:
Same-day discharge after atrial fibrillation ablation and left atrial appendage occlusion procedures may improve patient experience, bed availability, and procedural throughput, but prolonged bed rest remains a common operational barrier.
Project Rationale:
We identified the vascular closure strategy and recovery time as modifiable constraints limiting reliable same-day discharge after large-bore femoral venous access.
Project Summary:
A multidisciplinary team implemented a standardized suture-mediated vascular closure protocol for selected atrial fibrillation ablation and left atrial appendage occlusion procedures. In a retrospective comparison of 139 consecutive cases, suture-mediated closure was associated with shorter time to ambulation, shorter time to discharge, and a higher same-day discharge rate compared with Figure-of-8 closure, without an observed increase in vascular or bleeding complications.
Take-Home Messages:
Standardized suture-mediated closure may help convert same-day discharge into a predictable operational pathway. Procedural efficiency and patient safety should be measured together.
