Combination of catheter ablation for non-valvular atrial fibrillation and left atrial appendage occlusion in a single procedure

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have an increased risk of stroke and systemic embolism. Catheter ablation (CA) is increasingly applied for the treatment for drug-refractory AF; however, its long-term success rate is <50%. It has been proved that percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) exerts the same efficacy as novel oral anti-coagulants [(N)OACs] in reducing thromboembolic events. The present study investigated whether a combined procedure of AF ablation and LAAO may be feasible and efficacious. CA was performed for patients with AF and a high risk of stroke according to their CHADS₂ or CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, and LAAO was performed using the Watchman device. A total of 25 patients (40% females; mean age, 64.2±3.5 years) who were treated between July 2016 and June 2017 were included in the present study. The median CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4.5 (range, 2-6) and the median HAS-BLED score was 3.17 (range, 1-7). Successful CA and LAAO were performed in 100% of cases. All patients met the criteria for successful LAAO. At the 6-month follow-up, complete sealing of the LAA was achieved in 23 patients (92%), while a minimal residual flow (<5 mm) was detected in 2 patients (8%). In 24 patients (96%), the administration of (N)OACs was terminated and aspirin administration was initiated at the 6-month follow-up. (N)OAC treatment was maintained in 1 patient (4%) on the basis of transient ischemic attack. During the 6-month follow-up period, 3 patients who had a recurrence of AF received a repeated ablation. In conclusion, the combination of CA and LAAO in a single procedure is feasible, safe and efficacious for patients with non-valvular AF at a high risk of stroke, and a contraindication regarding the use of (N)OACs.