Transcatheter Structural Heart Disease Interventions and Concomitant Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: A State-of-the-Art Review

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in patients with valvular heart disease, and it can be associated with adverse patient outcomes. However, the need of anticoagulation to counterbalance AF-associated stroke risk may further lead to suboptimal outcomes via increasing bleeding events, especially in high-risk individuals. Currently, the option to perform a concomitant to the index procedure for limiting stroke risk is emerging, in accordance to usual practice in cardiac surgery. In specific, as the vast majority of thrombi occur in the left atrial appendage, left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is an established procedure for preventing ischemic stroke in patients with AF, while limiting anticoagulation-related bleeding events. Thus, the concept of combining an index procedure for a structural heart disease (SHD) with LAAO seems promising for preventing future stroke events. A combined procedure has been described in aortic stenosis (TAVI+LAAO), mitral regurgitation (TEER+LAAO) and atrial septal defects (PFO/ASD+LAAO). Evidence shows that a combined procedure can be safely performed in a "one-stop shop" fashion, without increased rates of procedural adverse events, with the potential to limit bleeding risk and provide prophylaxis against stroke events. Thus, this review is going to analyze indications and clinical evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of combined SHD+LAAO procedure, while also providing insights in gaps in knowledge and future directions for the evolvement of this field.

Every Patent Foramen Ovale Should Be Closed

At present, the patent foramen ovale (PFO) does not receive the deserved medical attention. The PFO poses a serious threat to health and even the life of mankind. The first respective case report in the medical literature dates back to the 19th century. It led to death. The fact that a PFO is present in roughly 25% of people underscores its overall potential to cause harm. Yet at the same time, the sheer number discourages the medical community from screening for it and from treating it. About 5% of the population have particularly dangerous forms of PFOs. Such PFOs portray a high enough risk for clinical events, the likes of death, stroke, myocardial infarction, or ocular, visceral, and peripheral embolism, to justify screening for them. Highly significant health incidents being at stake, it appears obvious that PFO closure should be used for primary prevention. This is supported by the fact that closing a PFO is the simplest intervention in cardiology, with presumably the highest clinical yield. Being mainly a preventive measure, PFO closure represents a mechanical vaccination. When closing PFOs for one of the rarer therapeutic indications (migraine, platypnea orthodeoxia, etc.), patients automatically profit from the collateral benefit of getting, at the same time, mechanically vaccinated for life against paradoxical embolism. Vice versa, closing a PFO for the prevention of paradoxical embolism betters or cures migraine or exercise dyspnea not infrequently, thereby improving quality of life as a collateral benefit.

Long-term outcomes of left atrial appendage closure with or without concomitant pulmonary vein isolation:a propensity score matching analysis based on CLACBAC study

BACKGROUND

The combined procedure of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) with concomitant pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has demonstrated its efficacy and safety. However, there is still a lack of comparative investigations regarding the long-term benefits of the combined procedure when compared to LAAC alone. Our study aims to assess the long-term outcomes of combined procedure of LAAC with concomitant PVI in comparison with a propensity matched LAAC alone group.

METHODS

Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to rectify covariate imbalances, resulting in the inclusion of 153 comparable patients from the initial cohort of 333 non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Clinical outcomes, encompassing thrombotic events, major cardiocerebrovascular adverse events (MACCE), re-hospitalization due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), and atrial tachycardia (AT), were juxtaposed between the two groups. Bleeding events and peri-device complications, such as residual flow, device-related thrombus, and device replacement, were also compared. Additionally, a patients group underwent PVI alone was included for comparing AF recurrence rates between the PVI alone group and the combined group.

RESULTS

Following PSM, 153 patients (mean age 70.3 ± 8.9, 62.7% men) were included, with 102 undergoing the combined procedure and 51 undergoing LAAC alone. No significant differences were found in baseline characteristics between the two groups. The mean follow-up time was 37.6 ± 7.9 months, and two patients were lost to follow-up in the combined procedure group. Thrombotic events were observed in 4 (7.8%) patients in the LAAC alone group and 4 (4.0%) in the combined group (Log-rank p = 0.301). The proportion of patients experiencing MACCE, re-hospitalization due to CVD, and AT between the two groups was comparable, as were bleeding events and peri-device complications. Among patients from the combined procedure group without AF recurrence, a significant difference was noted in prior-procedure left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and LVEF at the 12th month after the procedure (57.2% ± 7.1% vs. 60.5% ± 6.5%, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

The concomitant PVI and LAAC procedure did not increase procedure-related complications, nor did it confer significant benefits in preventing thrombotic events or reducing other cardiovascular events. However, the combined procedure improved heart function, suggesting potential long-term benefits.

Patent foramen ovale closure versus drug therapy in patients over 60 years and a follow-up of 5 years

BACKGROUND

The advantages of patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure as protection from a recurrence of stroke remains controversial compared to drug therapy, especially in patients over 60 years.

HYPOTHESIS

The aim of the study is to compare recurrence of stroke in patients over 60 years old with PFO closure versus drug therapy alone.

METHODS

We included 342 patients over 60 years who suffered a crytopgenic stroke, and were also accepted for a PFO closure. 199 patients refused a PFO closure and were treated with medical therapy alone, whereas 143 patients underwent a PFO closure procedure.

RESULTS

The mean follow up time was 5.5 ± 1.5 years. All patients in Group B showed persistent shunt in the follow-up period (n = 199, 100%). In Group A, seven patients were diagnosed with residual shunt during echocardiography examination (5%). A new onset of atrial fibrillation occurred in seven patients in Group A (5%) and six patients in Group B (3%), p = .117. Recurrent stroke occurred in 3 patients in Group A (2%) and 11 patients in Group B (6%), p = .021. One patient died of unknown reason (1%) and two patients were lost due to neurological death (1%) in Group B, whereas no patients in Group A died during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that strict exclusion of patients over 60 years from PFO closure should be reconsidered. As life expectancies are increasing, patients should be considered for same treatment as younger patients, since the outcomes are improved compared to patients treated with medical therapy alone.

The feasibility and safety of combining atrial septal defect/patent foramen ovale and left atrial appendage closure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Atrial Septal Defect/Patent Foramen Ovale (ASD/PFO) occlusion is performed to prevent paradoxical embolism and reduce the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke. Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is used as an alternative to medical therapy of non-valvular atrial fibrillation for prevention of stroke. Multiple studies have examined performing LAA and ASD/PFO occlusion. However, the feasibility and safety of combined occlusion of the left atrial appendage and ASD/PFO are not clear, furthermore, these studies are limited by their small sample sizes and retrospective analysis. In this study, we aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the feasibility and safety of combining left atrial appendage and ASD/PFO closure.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, Cochrane Library, Embase, and WanFang database were searched up to April 2022 to identify peer-reviewed human studies on assessing the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of combining left atrial appendage and ASD/PFO closure. The primary outcome was calculated: procedural feasibility outcome and procedural safety outcome.

Results

A total of 10 articles, including 340 patients from multiple countries, were included in the analysis. The principal findings of our study are: compared with single LAA closure, (i) combining PFO/ASD occlusion and LAA closure had similar procedural success proportion (98.43%, 95% CI: 96.67-100.00%), (ii) similar safety event incidences developed (1.67%, 95% CI: 0.24-3.92%), subgroup analyzed safety event incidences in death was 0.00 (95% CI: 0.00-0.33%), cardiac tamponade was 0.87% (95% CI: 0.00-2.77%), device embolization was 0.00 (95% CI: 0.00-0.60%), major bleeding was 0.00 (95% CI: 0.00-0.33%), stroke was 0.00 (95% CI: 0.00-0.02%).

Conclusion

Although this systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate the technical feasibility and safety of combining closure of PFO/ASD and LAA, further studies of sufficient sample size, long-term follow-up, and rigor endpoint criteria are yet needed to fully evaluate this combination procedure for its role in clinical outcomes.

A newly designed disk-lobe occluder with isogenous barbs for left atrial appendage closure: Initial multicenter experience

Background

Although the implant success rate of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) has increased and complications have decreased over time, there are still anatomically and technically complicated cases where novel LAA occluders may simplify the procedure and thus might potentially improve the clinical outcome.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the newly designed device with isogenous barbs in LAAC.

Methods

Eight centers in China participated in this prospective study from July 2016 to April 2018. Peri- and post-procedural safety and efficacy were evaluated through scheduled follow-ups and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

Results

A total of 175 patients with a mean age of 68.4 ± 9.2 years old, a mean CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of 4.7 ± 1.8, and a mean HAS-BLED score of 3.2 ± 1.3, were included. The device was successfully implanted in 173 patients (98.9%). The device size ranged from 18 to 34 mm. Clinically relevant pericardial effusion (PEF) in the perioperative period, occurred in 3 patients (1.7%). TEE follow-up was available in 167 (96.5%) patients at 12-month. During follow-up, 9 patients suffered serious adverse event: 4 death (2.3%), 1 ischemic stroke (0.6%), and 2 gastro-intestinal bleeding (1.2%) and 2 device-related thrombus (DRT) (1.2%). Estimated annual thromboembolism rate reduced by 90% and estimated annual major bleeding rate reduced by 81% after LAAC with the newly designed device.

Conclusion

The newly designed device with isogenous barbs for LAAC could be performed effectively with a low incidence of adverse events and a high incidence of anatomic closure.

Closure of Iatrogenic Atrial Septal Defect After Placement of Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device

An 86-year-old woman experienced hypoxia with right-to-left flow across an iatrogenic atrial septal defect after deployment of a left atrial appendage closure device. Emergent closure of the defect was performed with an atrial septal occluder device with resolution of hypoxia. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation and left atrial appendage occlusion prior to atrial septal defect closure: A case report

BACKGROUND

In patients who suffer from both atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial septal defect (ASD), cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), sequential left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion and ASD closure could be a strategy for effective prevention of stroke and right heart failure.

CASE SUMMARY

A 65-year-old man was admitted to our institution due to recurrent episodes of palpitations and shortness of breath for 2 years, which had been worsening over the last 48 h. He had a history of AF, ASD, coronary heart disease with stent implantation and diabetes. Physical and laboratory examinations showed no abnormalities. The score of CHA2DS2VASc was 3, and HAS-BLED was 1. Echocardiography revealed a 25-mm secundum ASD. Pulmonary vein (PV) and LAA anatomy were assessed by cardiac computed tomography. PV mapping with 10-pole Lasso catheter was performed following ablation of all four PVs with complete PVI. Following the cryoballoon PVI, the patient underwent LAA occlusion under transesophageal echocardiographic monitoring. Lastly, a 34-mm JIYI ASD occlude device was implanted. A follow-up transesophageal echocardiography at 3 mo showed proper position of both devices and neither thrombi nor leakage was found.

CONCLUSION

Sequential cryoballoon PVI and LAA occlusion prior to ASD closure can be performed safely in AF patients with ASD.

Feasibility and safety of left atrial appendage occlusion guided by procedural fluoroscopy only: A pilot study

BACKGROUND

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is usually performed via the guidance of procedural transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) companied by general anesthesia (GA).

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility and safety of LAAO guided by procedural fluoroscopy only.

METHODS

The patients eligible for LAAO were enrolled into the current study and received implantation of either Watchman device or LAmbre device. The procedure was carried out with procedural fluoroscopy only and no companied GA; the position, shape, and leakage of the device were assessed by contrast angiography. TEE was performed after 3-month follow-up to evaluate the thrombosis, and leakage of device.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) with either Watchman device (n = 49) or LAmbre device (n = 48) were consecutively enrolled. Watchman device group was of lower CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc and HAS-BLED scores compared with LAmbre device groups (p < .05); the two groups had similar distributions of other baseline characteristics (p > .05), including procedural success rate (98.0% vs. 97.9%), mean procedure time, mean fluoroscopy time, total radiation dose, contrast medium dose, percentage of peri-device leakage. Pericardial effusions requiring intervention occurred in two of the Watchman group. TEE follow-up found no patient with residual leakage ≥5 mm at 3 months and no device related thrombosis (DRT). During the 22.0 ± 11.1 months follow-up, two patients experienced ischemic stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

LAAO with the procedural imaging of fluoroscopy only exhibited the promising results of efficacy and safety. A prospective randomized multicenter study would be required to verify the observations in this study.

Amplatzer left atrial appendage closure: Single versus combined procedures

OBJECTIVES

This study compares procedural and late clinical outcomes of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) with Amplatzer devices as a single versus a combined procedure with other structural or coronary interventions.

BACKGROUND

Multiple cardiac conditions are frequent among elderly patients and invite simultaneous treatment to ensure a favorable patient outcomes.

METHODS

559 consecutive patients (73.3 ± 11.1 years) underwent LAAC with Amplatzer devices at two centres (Bern and Zurich university hospitals, Switzerland) either as a single procedure or combined with other interventions. The primary safety endpoint was a composite of major peri-procedural complications and major bleeding at follow-up, the primary efficacy endpoint included stroke, systemic embolism, and cardiovascular/unexplained death. All event rates are reported per 100 patient-years.

RESULTS

In 263 single and 296 combined procedures with percutaneous coronary interventions (47.6%), closure of an atrial septal defect (8.4%) or a patent foramen ovale (36.5%), transcatheter aortic valve implantation (10.1%), mitral clipping (4.1%), atrial fibrillation ablation (8.8%), or another procedure (3.0%) were analyzed. Device success (96.6% [single] vs. 99.0% [combined], p = .08) did not differ between the groups. After a mean follow-up of 2.6 ± 1.5 vs. 2.5 ± 1.5 years and a total of 1,422 patient-years, the primary efficacy (40/677, 5.9% [single] vs. 37/745, 5.0% [combined]; HR, 1.2, 95% CI, 0.8-1.9, p = .44), as well as the primary safety endpoint (25/677, 3.7% vs 28/745, 3.8%; HR, 1.0, 95% CI, 0.6-1.8, p = .89) were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

LAAC with Amplatzer devices combined with structural, coronary, and electrophysiological procedures offers procedural feasibility and safety, as well as long-term efficacy.

Plugs for left atrial appendage occlusion: an overview of available devices

INTRODUCTION

Approximately one-third of all ischemic strokes and the ensuing health and economic burden can be attributed to the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF). The global prevalence of AF continues to rise, thus making it by far the most common diagnosed cardiac arrhythmia. Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion or obliteration has been developed to protect from the occurrence of stroke in patients with nonvalvular AF.

AREAS COVERED

We address the characteristics and techniques for implantation as well as some clinical registries and randomized trials of the various catheter-based devices for the occlusion of the LAA that are either currently available or in the clinical evaluation stage.

EXPERT OPINION

Over less than 2 decades, LAA occlusion progressed from being a concept applied in a few specialized centers to a globally recognized procedure implemented in numerous hospitals as part of daily interventional practice. The respective devices are to date safer and easier to deploy than initially. Periprocedural and postprocedural complications will continue to decrease as already evident from prospective randomized trials and registries. Although current indications focus on patients with nonvalvular AF and contraindications for oral anticoagulation, it is all but certain that the future will bring a widening in the spectrum of indications, applicability, and usage of these devices.

Left atrial appendage and atrial septal occlusion in elderly patients with atrial septal defect and atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Elderly patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) often present with chronic atrial fibrillation and large left to right shunt. This study reports the experience of left atrial appendage (LAA) and ASD closure in patients with significant ASD and chronic atrial fibrillation.

METHODS

We report six consecutive elderly patients with chronic atrial fibrillation and significant ASD who underwent LAA and fenestrated ASD closure from January 1, 2014 until December 31, 2019. All periprocedural and long-term (>1 year) outcomes were reported.

RESULTS

Six patients (male: 33.3%; mean age: 66.8 ± 3.3 years) were included. Mean CHADS₂ , CHA₂ DS₂ -VAS_c , and HAS-BLED scores were 2.33 ± 0.82, 3.83 ± 0.75, and 1.83 ± 0.75. Four patients underwent simultaneous procedure, while two patients underwent a staged procedure. Procedural success was achieved in all patients. Total occlusion was achieved during LAA occlusion without device embolization prior to ASD closure. Patients who underwent simultaneous procedure had a shorter total hospital stay and lower total hospital stay. During a follow-up period of 32.8 ± 19.4 months, both the devices were well seated. No device-related thrombosis or erosion reported. All patients remained in atrial fibrillation. No patients experienced any thromboembolic stroke or transient ischemic attack.

CONCLUSIONS

LAA and ASD closure is feasible and can be safely performed in the same seating in elderly patients with a significant ASD.

Transseptal puncture versus patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect access for left atrial appendage closure

AIMS

The aim of this study was to compare the periprocedural and late clinical outcomes of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) with AMPLATZER devices by access through transseptal puncture (TSP) versus a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or an atrial septal defect (ASD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Between 2009 and 2018, 578 consecutive patients underwent LAAC via TSP or PFO/ASD access in three centres. After a 3:1 propensity score matching, 246 (TSP) versus 91 (PFO/ASD) patients were compared using the primary efficacy endpoint of all-cause stroke, systemic embolism and cardiovascular/unexplained death and the primary safety endpoint of major periprocedural complications and major bleedings at follow-up. Mean age was 75.2±8.7 (TSP) vs 74.4±10.9 (PFO/ASD) years, CHA2DS2-VASc score 4.5±1.6 vs 4.3±1.4 and HAS-BLED score 3.3±1.0 vs 3.3±0.9. Device success (97.6% vs 97.8%, p=0.90) was similar. After 2.5±1.4 vs 2.6±1.6 years, clinical efficacy (46/603, 7.6% [TSP] vs 21/233, 9.0% [PFO/ASD], hazard ratio [HR] 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69-0.85, p=0.54) and safety (24/603, 4.0% vs 11/233, 4.7%; HR 1.4; 95% CI: 0.52-3.6, p=0.49) did not differ.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of a PFO/ASD access for LAAC with AMPLATZER devices offers similar periprocedural and late clinical outcomes to TSP. Simultaneous PFO/ASD closure for an additional protective benefit does not increase risk.

Short-Term Antiplatelet Versus Anticoagulant Therapy After Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare bleeding, thromboembolic, device-related thrombus (DRT), and all-cause mortality events between patients treated with short-term oral anticoagulation (OAC) and those treated with short-term antiplatelet therapy (APT) following left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO).

BACKGROUND

Short-term OAC is recommended for patients following LAAO. However, in practice many patients receive APT rather than OAC because of excessive bleeding risk. However, the safety and efficacy of APT compared with OAC have been debated.

METHODS

A search was conducted of databases for studies comparing OAC with APT following LAAO. The outcomes of interest were all-cause stroke, major bleeding, DRT, and all-cause mortality. Noncomparative studies were pooled into a single study to generate comparisons of the studies' outcomes. Effects measure were pooled using the random-effect model.

RESULTS

A total of 83 studies with 12,326 patients (APT, n = 7,900; OAC, n = 4,151) were included. Mean CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were 4.1 ± 1.6 and 3.0 ± 1.3, respectively. There were no significance differences between the APT and OAC groups with regard to stroke (risk ratio [RR]: 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54 to 1.98; p = 0.91; I2 = 31%), major bleeding (RR: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.68 to 1.84; p = 0.65; I2 = 53%), DRT (RR: 1.33; 95% CI: 0.74 to 2.39; p = 0.33; I2 = 36%), and all-cause mortality (RR: 1.29; 95% CI: 0.40 to 4.09; p = 0.18; I2 = 36%). These findings persisted in multiple secondary analyses: 1) excluding studies that reported no events; 2) including comparative studies only; 3) excluding patients who were treated with single APT; and 4) removing one study at a time to assess the effect of each study on the overall effect size. There was also no difference in the studies' endpoints among patients who received different LAAO devices.

CONCLUSIONS

In a meta-analysis of observational data, there were no differences in the occurrence of stroke, major bleeding DRT, and all-cause mortality in patients treated with short-term OAC or APT following LAAO.

Long-term safety and efficacy of combined percutaneous LAA and PFO/ASD closure: a single-center experience (LAAC combined PFO/ASD closure)

OBJECTIVES

To report long-term safety and efficacy of combined percutaneous LAA and PFO/ASD closure.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 370 consecutive patients undergoing LAAC procedures using the Watchman (WM) device. Data were compared between 330 cases only with LAAC procedure (Group I) and 25/5 (PFO/ASD) cases with sequential procedures of LAAC and PFO/ASD closure (Group II).

RESULTS

Compared to Group I, Group II had more males (86.7% vs. 65.8%, p < 0.05) and a higher rate of stroke (33.3% vs. 10.6%, p < 0.01), but there were no statistical differences in the remaining patient characteristics. During the follow-up period, there were no significant differences between the two groups in embolism events (6.1% vs. 0%, p = 0.39), device related thrombus (5.8% vs 3.3%, p = 1.0), major bleeding (9.4% vs. 6.7%, p = 1.0) and cardiac death (3.6% vs. 0%, p = 0.61). The observed rate of all thromboembolic events by Kaplan-Meier analysis was decreased by 39.9% and 100% and the observed annual rate of bleeding was reduced by 32.9% and 57.6% in Group I and Group II, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

LAAC combined with PFO/ASD closure might be an ideal choice to prevent stroke and other thrombotic complications in patients with both NVAF and PFO/ASD.

Simultaneous Closure of a Left Atrial Appendage through an Atrial Septal Defect and the Atrial Septal Defect

Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion can be employed as an alternative treatment to oral anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation to prevent embolic events. Atrial septal defect (ASD) may be related with right heart dysfunction and allow paradoxical embolism to occur. However, occlusion of both LAA through atrial access with ostium secundum ASD and ASD in the same setting is unusual. Therefore, we report a case in which a LAA and an ASD was sequentially occluded.

Transseptal Techniques for Emerging Structural Heart Interventions

The development of new transseptal transcatheter interventions for patients with structural heart disease is fueling increasing interest in transseptal puncture techniques. The authors review contemporary transseptal puncture indications and techniques and provide a step-by-step approach to challenging transseptal access and procedural complications.

Left atrial appendage occlusion with the AMPLATZER Amulet device: an expert consensus step-by-step approach

AIMS

This document aims to describe a standardised methodology for performing left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) using the AMPLATZER Amulet device, and to provide useful tips and tricks for operators with different levels of experience.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Physicians who are experts in LAAO and had personal clinical experience with the AMPLATZER Amulet device were asked to contribute in the preparation of this consensus document. Twenty-seven physicians (20 interventional cardiologists and 7 electrophysiologists) from 14 different countries reviewed the manuscript. A step-by-step approach, simulating a real case, was followed. Starting with patient selection and planning, related cardiac imaging is discussed, followed by vascular access - transseptal puncture optimisation. Then, angiographic calibration/sizing and the required fluoroscopy views are explained and a device sizing strategy is proposed. Device preparation and de-airing is briefly described, followed by sheath exchange, device deployment steps, evaluation of device stability and decision for final release. The way to recapture and change a device is then shown, together with some additional tips on how to deal with challenging anatomies like "chicken wing" left atrial appendage. Finally, for operators who are switching from AMPLATZER Cardiac Plug to Amulet, the main differences between the two devices with respect to implantation technique are presented.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, this document reflects a consensus approach by expert implanters on the steps of LAAO technique and best practices for implantation of the AMPLATZER Amulet device, along with some practical tips to minimise the complication rate.

Novel Solutions Applied in Transseptal Puncture: A Systematic Review

Access to the left atrium is required for several minimally invasive cardiac interventions in the left heart. For this purpose, transseptal puncture (TSP) technique is often performed, perforating the atrial septum under fluoroscopic or/and ultrasound imaging guidance. Although this approach has been used for many years, complications/failures are not uncommon mainly in patients with abnormal atrial anatomy and repeated TSP. Thus, this study presents an overview of methods and techniques that have been proposed to increase the safety and feasibility of the TSP. A systematic review of literature was conducted through the analysis of the articles published between 2008 and 2015. The search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Knowledge using the expression “transseptal puncture.” A total of 354 articles were retrieved from the databases, and 64 articles were selected for this review. Moreover, these 64 articles were divided into four categories, namely: (1) incidence studies, (2) intraprocedural guidance techniques, (3) preprocedural planning methods, and (4) surgical instruments. A total of 36 articles focused on incidence studies, 24 articles suggested novel intraprocedural guidance techniques, 5 works focused on preprocedural planning strategies, and 21 works proposed surgical instruments. The novel 3D guidance techniques, radio-frequency surgical instruments, and pre-interventional planning approaches showed potential to overcome the main procedural limitations/complications, through the reduction of the intervention time, radiation, number of failures, and complications.

A meta-analysis for efficacy and safety evaluation of transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVES

This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcatheter left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

METHODS

The randomized controlled trials (RCT) or observational studies with any transcatheter LAA occlusion devices were searched in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library from inception to November 2015. The incidence rates from individual studies were combined to evaluate the procedural efficacy and safety, including all-cause death, cardiac/neurological death, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), thrombosis, hemorrhagic complications, and pericardial effusion/tamponade.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight studies involving 3585 patients and 6 different occlusion devices were eligible for our inclusion criteria. The procedural failure rate for LAA closure was 0.02 (95% CI: 0.02-0.03). The all-cause mortality was 0.03 (95% CI: 0.02-0.03) and cardiac/neurological mortality was 0 (95% CI: 0.00-0.01). The stroke/TIA rate was estimated only 0.01 (95% CI: 0.01-0.01). The incidence of thrombus on devices was 0.01 (95% CI: 0.01-0.02). The major hemorrhagic complication rate was estimated 0.01 (95% CI: 0.00-0.01). Pericardial effusion/tamponade was estimated 0.02 (95% CI: 0.02-0.03). No heterogeneity was observed for above pooled estimates (I = 0). In devices subgroups analysis, the all-cause mortality and cardiac/neurological mortality of PLAATO group were the highest (P = 0.01 and P < 0.01 respectively), whereas the incidence of thrombus on devices in the ACP group was the highest (P < 0.01). In follow-up period subgroups analysis, there were significant differences in all-cause death, stroke/TIA, major hemorrhage, and pericardial effusion/tamponade events between the shorter and longer follow-up period subgroups (P < 0.05). However, the differences among the subgroups were numerically small.

CONCLUSIONS

the pooled data demonstrated that transcatheter LAA occlusion was effective and safe in the patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who were not suitable for lifelong antithrombotic therapy.

The use of imaging in new transcatheter interventions: an EACVI review paper

Transcatheter therapies for the treatment of valve heart diseases have expanded dramatically over the last years. The new developments and improvements in devices and techniques, along with the increasing expertise of operators, have turned the catheter-based approaches for valvular disease into an established treatment option. Various imaging techniques are used during these procedures, but echocardiography plays an essential role during patient selection, intra-procedural monitoring, and post-procedure follow-up. The echocardiographic assessment of patients undergoing transcatheter interventions places demands on echocardiographers that differ from those of the routine evaluation of patients with valve disease, and there is a need for specific expertise for those working in the cath lab. In the context of the current rapid developments and growing use of transcatheter valve therapies, this document intends to update the previous recommendations and address new advancements in imaging, particularly for those involved in any stage of the treatment of patients with valvular heart diseases.

Left atrial appendage closure: patient, device and post-procedure drug selection

Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC), a device-based therapy for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation, is considered an alternative to oral anticoagulation therapy, particularly for patients at high risk of bleeding. Proof of concept has been demonstrated by the PROTECT AF and PREVAIL trials which evaluated the WATCHMAN device (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) versus warfarin, showing favourable outcome for the device group. The most commonly used devices for LAAC are the WATCHMAN and its successor, the WATCHMAN FLX (Boston Scientific) and the AMPLATZER Cardiac Plug and more recently the AMPLATZER Amulet device (both St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA). The procedure is typically performed via a transseptal puncture under fluoroscopic and echocardiographic guidance. Technically, it is considered quite demanding due to the anatomic variability and fragility of the appendage. Careful material manipulation, adequate operator training, and good cardiac imaging and device sizing allow a safe, uneventful procedure. Post-procedure antithrombotic drug selection is based on the patient's history, indication and quality of LAAC.

Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure: procedural techniques and outcomes

Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure technology for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation has significantly advanced in the past 2 decades. Several devices are under clinical investigation, and a few have already received Conformité Européene (CE)-mark approval and are available in many countries. The WATCHMAN device (Boston Scientific, Natick, Massachusetts) has the most supportive data and is under evaluation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for warfarin-eligible patients. The Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (St. Jude Medical, Plymouth, Minnesota) has a large real-world experience over the past 5 years, and a randomized trial comparing Amplatzer Cardiac Plug with the WATCHMAN device is anticipated in the near future. The Lariat procedure (SentreHEART Inc., Redwood City, California) has also gained interest lately, but early studies were concerning for high rates of serious pericardial effusion and major bleeding. The current real-world experience predominantly involves patients who are not long-term anticoagulation candidates or who are perceived to have high bleeding risks. This pattern of practice is expected to change when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves the WATCHMAN device for warfarin-eligible patients. This paper reviews in depth the procedural techniques, safety, and outcomes of the current leading devices.