Role of Cardiac Imaging for Catheter-based Left Atrial Appendage Closure

Journal of Atrial Fibrillation
Sébastien MarchandiseChristophe Scavée Jean-Louis Vanoverschelde

Abstract

Thromboembolic stroke is the most serious complication in patients suffering from Atrial Fibrillation. Atrial thrombi have a predilection to form in the left atrial appendage. Accordingly, oral anticoagulation is recommended for patients with high risk of stroke. However, it is widely underused and problems of compliance are associated with serious risk of bleeding or inefficacy. In these patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, percutaneous occlusion of the left atrial appendage might help to reduce the risk of thromboembolism. Cardiac imaging plays a crucial role at all stages of this procedure and trans-esophageal echocardiography represents the current gold-standard for the assessment of the left atrial appendage. Cardiac imaging is mandatory to precisely determine the left atrial appendage anatomy and to select the appropriate size for the device. Finally, real time three-dimension echocardiography is a powerful additional tool that improves the safety profile of the procedure. 3D-transoesophageal echocardiography allows for the accurate assessment of left atrial appendage anatomy and helps determine if it's suitable for device implantation. Finally, it also allows for continuous visualization of all intracardiac de...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly due to stroke and thromboembolism. Here is the latest research.

Atrial Filbrillation

Atrial fibrillation refers to the abnormal heart rhythm characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atria. Here is the latest research.

Acute Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted depriving the brain of oxygen and nutrients. This feed focuses cerebrovascular accidents including ischemic and paralytic stroke.

Arrhythmia

Arrhythmias are abnormalities in heart rhythms, which can be either too fast or too slow. They can result from abnormalities of the initiation of an impulse or impulse conduction or a combination of both. Here is the latest research on arrhythmias.

Related Papers

Circulation Journal : Official Journal of the Japanese Circulation Society
Hidehiko Hara
Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : Official Publication of the American Society of Echocardiography
Michael L MainKenneth C Huber
Italian Heart Journal : Official Journal of the Italian Federation of Cardiology
Antonio Di Chiara, Guglielmo Bernardi
Heart, Lung & Circulation
Alexander IncaniDarren L Walters
© 2022 Meta ULC. All rights reserved