Implantation of left atrial appendage occlusion devices and complex appendage anatomy: the importance of transesophageal echocardiography

Echocardiography. 2007 Feb;24(2):159-61. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8175.2007.00369.x.

Abstract

Percutaneous delivery of left atrial appendage (LAA) occluding devices represents a novel approach for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has a pivotal role throughout these procedures, facilitating device size selection and ensuring optimal deployment of the device. We report a case of an LAA occluding device implantation in which apparent proper positioning on fluoroscopy was determined by TEE to be malpositioning with a nonocclusive, perpendicular orientation to the plane of the LAA ostium. This problem appeared to be related to a complex, multilobed LAA anatomy and was readily resolved by repositioning of the device under TEE guidance.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Atrial Appendage / anatomy & histology*
  • Atrial Appendage / diagnostic imaging*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / complications
  • Atrial Fibrillation / therapy
  • Cardiac Catheterization*
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prostheses and Implants*
  • Radiography
  • Stroke / etiology
  • Stroke / prevention & control