Background: Atrial fibrillation is associated with a high risk for cardioembolic stroke. The left atrial appendage (LAA) is the source of the vast majority of these thromboemboli. A novel implanted device for percutaneous LAA transcatheter occlusion (PLAATO) has been designed to seal the LAA. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and safety of transcatheter LAA occlusion in dogs.
Methods and results: A PLAATO implant was delivered to the LAA through a 12F transseptal catheter in 25 dogs. The PLAATO device was repositioned until occlusion was seen, or it was recaptured and replaced with a different size. LAA sealing was confirmed by intracardiac echocardiography and contrast fluoroscopy. Follow-up was performed 2 days to 6 months after implantation. After imaging assessment, dogs were euthanized and LAA was examined for device healing, migration, perforation, and any thrombosis, both grossly and histologically. The LAA was occluded in all cases. No mobile thrombi associated with the implantation were seen. Healing on the atrial-facing surface was 90% at 1 month and was complete by 3 months, which was confirmed by gross and histological examination. Light microscopic examination of brain, kidney, and spleen showed no evidence of emboli or infarct.
Conclusions: Transcatheter LAA occlusion is simple and feasible. At the follow-up study, the device remained in the LAA, with benign healing and no evidence of new thrombus or damage to surrounding structures. This new strategy may provide an alternative treatment for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who are less than optimal candidates for warfarin.