Left atrial appendage morphology, echocardiographic characterization, procedural data and in-hospital outcome of patients receiving left atrial appendage occlusion device implantation: a prospective observational study

BMC Cardiovasc Disord. 2016 Jan 28:16:25. doi: 10.1186/s12872-016-0200-z.

Abstract

Background: Implantation of left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion devices was shown to be a feasible and effective alternative to oral anticoagulation in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. However, only few data about in-hospital and peri-procedural data are currently available. This study aims to report about echocardiographic, procedural and in-hospital data of patients receiving LAA occlusion devices.

Methods: This single-center, prospective and observational study includes consecutively patients being eligible for percutaneous implantation of LAA occlusion devices (either Watchman™ or Amplatzer™ Cardiac Plug 2). Data on pre- and peri-procedural transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), implantation and procedure related in-hospital complications were collected. The primary efficacy outcome measure was a successful device implantation without relevant peri-device leaks (i.e., < 5 mm).

Results: In total, 37 patients were included, 22 receiving the Watchman™ and 15 ACP 2 device. Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly in both patient groups. The primary efficacy outcome measure was reached in 91.9% of patients (90.9% for the Watchman™, 93.3 % for the ACP 2 group). One device embolization (Watchman™ group) with successful retrieval occurred (2.7% of patients). No thromboembolism or device thrombosis were present. The majority of bleedings was caused by access site bleedings (88.3% of all bleedings), consisting mostly of mild hematomas corresponding to a BARC type 1 bleeding (80.0% of all access-site complications). One patient died due to septic shock (non-procedure related).

Conclusions: In daily real-life practice, percutaneous treatment with LAA occlusion devices appears to be an effective and safe.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Atrial Appendage / diagnostic imaging
  • Atrial Appendage / surgery*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / surgery*
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal
  • Female
  • Heart Atria / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Atria / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Hemorrhage / epidemiology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Prosthesis Failure
  • Prosthesis Implantation*
  • Septal Occluder Device*
  • Shock, Septic / epidemiology
  • Treatment Outcome