Video-Assisted Epicardial Ablation and Left Atrial Appendage Exclusion for Atrial Fibrillation: Extended Follow-Up

2008 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
James H. Wudel ◽  
Pradipta Chaudhuri ◽  
Jeffery J. Hiller
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Epicardial Ablation ◽  
Video Assisted

Abstract 14990: Pulmonary Vein Stenosis After Epicardial Atrial Fibrillation Ablation and Epicardial Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: A Diagnostic Dilemma and Challenges in Management

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Moghniuddin Mohammed ◽  
Nachiket Apte ◽  
Mohammed Ansari ◽  
Amit Noheria ◽  
Seth Sheldon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Pulmonary Vein ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Maze Procedure ◽  
Pulmonary Vein Stenosis ◽  
Epicardial Ablation ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion ◽  
Vein Stenosis

Background: Pulmonary vein stenosis is a dreaded complication of endocardial atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation but rare after epicardial ablation and has not been reported after epicardial left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). Case: A 55-year-old male was referred to our tertiary hospital for management of left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV) stenosis causing dyspnea on exertion. About 2 years prior to presentation, he underwent quadruple coronary artery bypass grafting for non-ST elevation myocardial infarction along with modified Cox-Maze procedure with pulmonary vein and posterior wall isolation as well as epicardial LAAO with AtriClip for history of paroxysmal AF. At our institute, V/Q scan showed ventilation-perfusion mismatch and absent perfusion of the left upper lobe (Figure 1A). Cardiac CT showed persistent LSPV occlusion (Figure 1B). TEE showed atrial appendage occluded with a clip and no flow was observed from LSPV (Figure 1C). After multidisciplinary discussion between cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery teams, surgical approach to remove the AtriClip was deemed futile as it was placed 2 years ago and less likely to result in resolution of stenosis. Thus, an endovascular approach was attempted with left atrial and pulmonary vein angiography showing LSPV to be 100% occluded (Figure 1D). Pulmonary vein recanalization was attempted but was not successful. Conclusion: Our case highlights the importance of recognition of PVS as a possible complication after epicardial LAAO as early intervention can improve patient outcomes. PVS has been previously described with Maze procedure but that patient was successfully treated with catheter-balloon angioplasty. Given 100% occlusion and difficulty with recanalization makes epicardial ablation a less likely cause of occlusion in our case. More careful application of Atriclip protocols might be necessary to prevent this potential complication.

scholarly journals Spontaneously occluded left atrial appendage in a patient with atrial fibrillation and stroke: a case report

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Andreas Bugge Tinggaard ◽  
Kasper Korsholm ◽  
Jesper Møller Jensen ◽  
Jens Erik Nielsen-Kudsk
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Transoesophageal Echocardiography ◽  
Similar Efficacy ◽  
Cardiovascular Death ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion ◽  
All Cause Mortality

Abstract Background  The left atrial appendage (LAA) is the main source of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation (AF). Transcatheter closure is non-inferior to warfarin therapy in preventing stroke. Case summary  A patient with two consecutive strokes associated with AF was referred for transcatheter LAA occlusion (LAAO). Preprocedural cardiac CT and transoesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a spontaneously occluded LAA with a smooth left atrial surface, with stationary results at 6- and 12-month imaging follow-up. Warfarin was discontinued, and life-long aspirin instigated. Discussion  Left atrial appendage occlusion has shown non-inferiority to warfarin for prevention of stroke, cardiovascular death, and all-cause mortality. No benefits from anticoagulation have been demonstrated in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source. In the present case, we observed that the LAA was occluded and, therefore, treated with aspirin monotherapy assuming similar efficacy as transcatheter LAAO.

scholarly journals Results of the Thoracoscopic Radiofrequency Epicardial Ablation with a Bipolar Electrode During Longstanding Persistent form of Atrial Fibrillation

2020 ◽  
Vol 159 ◽  
pp. 08007
Author(s):  
Rustem Tuleutaev ◽  
Alibek Oshakbayev ◽  
Kuat Abzaliyev ◽  
Baurzhan Rakishev ◽  
Symbat Abzaliyeva
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Bipolar Electrode ◽  
Epicardial Ablation ◽  
Input And Output ◽  
Mean Size ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Β Blockers

Thoracoscopic ablation using the ‘box lesion’ technique was performed using a bipolar radio frequency clamp. A total of 48 patients, including 38 men and 10 women, mean age 58 years (range 33 74). The mean duration of AF was 4 yrs (range 1.5 months 21), the mean size of the atrium 4.15 ± 0.9 cm (2.9-8.8 cm), mean LVEF was 57.7% (39 -73%). Mitral regurgitation of 1-2 degrees was present in 14 patients, EDV LV 147.7 ml (81-224). Primary catheter ablation was performed in 22 patients, where 5 of them (22,7%) were performed repeatedly. Resection of the left atrial appendage (LAA) during the operation was performed in 44 patients (91%). Input and output block was achieved in all patients. In the postoperative period, all patients were administered supporting antiarrhythmic therapy with amiodarone and β-blockers, anticoagulant therapy with warfarin or PLA for 6-12 months. The effectiveness of treatment was monitored by a cardiomonitor Reveal XT in the period 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 months after surgery, the mean follow-up length was 498 ± 19 days. Sinus rhythm was restored during surgery in all patients and remained until discharge.

Epicardial Surgical Ligation of the Left Atrial Appendage is Safe, Reproducible, and Effective by Transesophageal Echocardiographic Follow-up

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 371-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Zapolanski ◽  
Christopher K. Johnson ◽  
Omid Dardashti ◽  
Ryan M. O'Keefe ◽  
Nancy Rioux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Perioperative Complications ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Color Doppler ◽  
Color Doppler Imaging ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Doppler Imaging

Objective The left atrial appendage (LAA) is the source of 90% of thrombi in patients with atrial fibrillation. Our double LAA ligation (LLAA) technique was shown to be 96% successful in a small study. However, the outcomes of these patients have yet to be compared with a set of nonligated patients. Methods From 2005 to 2012, a total of 808 patients received LAA using our double ligation technique using both a polydioxanone (PDS) II endosnare and a running 4-0 Prolene pledgeted suture. The 30-day outcomes of these patients were compared with that of nonligated patients. Fifty-six of the ligated patients had a postoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). An echocardiographer reviewed the follow-up TEEs for LAA remnant and/or residual flow into the LAA using color Doppler imaging. The patients with LAA flow and/or remnant depth of 1 cm or greater were deemed to have an unsuccessful exclusion. Results The ligated group had a trend of less postoperative atrial fibrillation (19.4% vs 22.9%, P = 0.07) and an overall significantly lower in-hospital mortality (0.7% vs 3.0%, P < 0.001) and lower 30-day mortality (0.7% vs 3.4%, P < 0.0001). The LAA was successfully excluded in 53 (94.7%) of the 56 patients with TEE. Conclusions Double LAA ligation correlates with lower rates of in-hospital and 30-day mortality. This advantage comes without an increase in perioperative complications. This technique can easily be performed off or on pump, is very reproducible, and comes at a very low cost compared with LAA occlusion devices. Stroke has a multifactorial etiology; successful LLAA removes one potential source of thrombi perioperatively and in the long-term.

Outcome of left atrial appendage occlusion in high-risk patients

Heart ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 104 (7) ◽  
pp. 594-599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Masoud ◽  
Stefano Bartoletti ◽  
Timothy Fairbairn ◽  
Ayush Khurana ◽  
Periaswamy Velavan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Stroke Prevention ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Risk Patients

ObjectivePercutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion can be an interventional alternative to oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation.MethodsWe delivered LAA occlusion therapy using a standardised approach to patient referral, multidisciplinary team assessment, implant criteria, imaging and follow-up. We analysed patient characteristics, efficacy and safety of the implant procedure, and 12-month outcomes.ResultsOf 143 referrals from October 2014 to December 2016, 83 patients (age 76±8years, 32.5% female, mean CHAD2S2-VASc score 4 ±1) were offered LAA occlusion. Eighty (95.3%) had previous major bleeding (intracranial in 59%). LAA occluder implantation with an Amulet device was successful in 82 (98.8%), with periprocedural major adverse events occurring in 5 (6.0%) patients (2 device embolisations including 1 death, 2 major bleeds). Cardiac imaging in 75 (94%) patients 2months following implant showed device-related thrombus in 1 case (1.3%) and minor (<5mm) device leaks in 13 (17.1%). Over a median 12-month follow-up, 3 (3.8%) ischaemic strokes, 2 (2.5%) haemorrhagic strokes and 5 (6.3%) major extracranial bleeds occurred. All-cause mortality was 10%, with most deaths (7, 87.5%) due to non-cardiovascular causes.ConclusionsLAA occlusion may be a reasonable option for stroke prevention inhigh-risk patients with atrial fibrillation ineligible for anticoagulation. However, procedural complication rates are not insignificant, and patients remain at risk of serious adverse events and death even after successful implant.

scholarly journals Inhibition of renin-angiotensin axis reduces the risk of thrombus formation in the left atrial appendage in patients with hypertension complicated by atrial fibrillation

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 147032031878262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ya Suo ◽  
Zhiwei Zhang ◽  
Huaying Fu ◽  
Yue Zhang ◽  
Meng Yuan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Renin Angiotensin ◽  
Echocardiographic Parameters ◽  
Hemostatic Markers ◽  
Ras Inhibitors

Aims: We examined whether the use of a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAS) inhibitor plays a role in protecting against left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) in patients with hypertension complicated by atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Two observational studies were conducted on patients with diagnoses of hypertension and AF, who were categorized into RAS inhibitor user or nonuser groups. Demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, echocardiographic parameters and hemostatic markers were examined and the occurrence of LAAT during follow-up were recorded. Results: In the first study ( n = 131), LA peak systolic strain and LAA emptying flow velocity (LAA eV) were significantly increased in patients on RAS inhibitors compared with the nonuser group ( p < 0.05). Lower D-dimer and fibrinogen levels were observed in patients on RAS inhibitors ( p < 0.05). In the second study ( n = 99), 25.9% ( n = 11) of patients on RAS inhibitors developed LAAT, compared with 46.7% ( n = 21) in the nonuser group ( p < 0.05). After controlling for risk factors related to LAAT, use of RAS inhibitors remained associated with a significantly lower risk of developing LAAT (HR, 0.406; 95% CI, 0.191–0.862; p = 0.019). Conclusions: RAS inhibitors use was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of LAAT in patients with hypertension and AF.

scholarly journals The Association of Left Atrial Appendage Morphology to Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Radiofrequency Ablation

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiyu Gong ◽  
Jian Zhou ◽  
Bingyu Li ◽  
Sheng Kang ◽  
Xiaoye Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Radiofrequency Ablation ◽  
Recurrence Rate ◽  
Morphological Feature ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Recurrence Risk ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Af Recurrence

Objective: The probability of late recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has not yet been fully clarified. This study aims to study the association of left atrial appendage (LAA) morphology with AF recurrence after RFA.Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 84 patients (24 patients had persistent AF, 60 patients had paroxysmal AF) who underwent RFA in Shanghai East Hospital from June 2014 to May 2018. The mean follow-up of these patients was 618.6 days. According to preoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), the morphology feature of LAA was classified and evaluated by two classification methods. The first method was divided into chicken-wing, windsock, cactus, and cauliflower, and the second method was divided into one lobe, two lobes, and multiple lobes. The correlation between morphological feature of LAA and the recurrence rate of AF after RFA was analyzed.Results: During follow-up, 12 patients (50%) and 10 patients (16.7%) had AF recurrence in persistent and paroxysmal AF, respectively. The LAA morphology was associated with the recurrence of AF after RFA with the chicken-wing highest recurrence risk (68.2%). The structure type of LAA was also related to the AF recurrence rate (p &lt; 0.01). Compared with one lobe and multiple lobes, two lobes (recurrence, 47.6%) were more likely associated with the recurrence of AF (p &lt; 0.02). Logistic regression analysis showed that the chicken-wing group had a higher risk of recurrence after RFA (OR = 8.13, p = 0.004), and the windsock group had a lower risk of recurrence (OR = 0.17, p = 0.002).Conclusion: The morphological feature of LAA is related to the recurrence risk of AF after RFA. LAA morphology assessment can predict the risk of AF recurrence.

Management of thrombus formation after electrical isolation of the left atrial appendage in patients with atrial fibrillation

EP Europace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 1358-1366
Author(s):  
Thomas Fink ◽  
Feifan Ouyang ◽  
Christian-Hendrik Heeger ◽  
Vanessa Sciacca ◽  
Bruno Reissmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Cerebral Protection ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Protection Device ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus ◽  
Electrical Isolation

Abstract Aims Left atrial appendage (LAA) electrical isolation (LAAEI) in addition to pulmonary vein isolation is an emerging catheter-based therapy to treat symptomatic atrial fibrillation. Previous studies found high incidences of LAA thrombus formation after LAAEI. This study sought to analyse therapeutic strategies aiming at the resolution of LAA thrombi and prevention of thromboembolism. Methods and results Left atrial appendage electrical isolation was conducted via creation of left atrial linear lesions or cryoballoon ablation. Follow-up including transoesophageal echocardiography was conducted. In patients with LAA thrombus, oral anticoagulation (OAC) was adjusted until thrombus resolution was documented. Percutaneous LAA closure (LAAC) under use of a cerebral protection device was conducted in case of medically refractory LAA thrombi. Left atrial appendage thrombus was documented in 54 of 239 analysed patients who had undergone LAAEI. Thrombus resolution was documented in 39/51 patients (72.2%) with available follow-up after adjustment of OAC. Twenty-nine patients underwent LAAC and 10 patients were kept on OAC after LAAEI. No thromboembolic events or further LAA thrombi were documented after 553 ± 443 days of follow-up in these patients. Persistent LAA thrombi despite adaption of OAC was documented in 12/51 patients. One patient remained on OAC until the end of follow-up, while LAAC with a cerebral protection device was performed in 11 patients in the presence of LAA thrombus without complications. Conclusion Left atrial appendage thrombus formation is common after LAAEI. Adjustment of OAC leads to LAA thrombus resolution in most patients. Left atrial appendage closure in the presence of LAA thrombi might be a feasible option in case of failed medical treatment.

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