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Landmesser U, Skurk C, Tzikas A, Falk V, Reddy VY, Windecker S. Left atrial appendage closure for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: current status and perspectives. Eur Heart J 2024:ehae398. [PMID: 39027946 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehae398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of stroke and systemic embolism, and the left atrial appendage (LAA) has been identified as a principal source of thromboembolism in these patients. While oral anticoagulation is the current standard of care, LAA closure (LAAC) emerges as an alternative or complementary treatment approach to reduce the risk of stroke or systemic embolism in patients with AF. Moderate-sized randomized clinical studies have provided data for the efficacy and safety of catheter-based LAAC, largely compared with vitamin K antagonists. LAA device iterations, advances in pre- and peri-procedural imaging, and implantation techniques continue to increase the efficacy and safety of LAAC. More data about efficacy and safety of LAAC have been collected, and several randomized clinical trials are currently underway to compare LAAC with best medical care (including non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants) in different clinical settings. Surgical LAAC in patients with AF undergoing cardiac surgery reduced the risk of stroke on background of anticoagulation therapy in the LAAOS III study. In this review, we describe the rapidly evolving field of LAAC and discuss recent clinical data, ongoing studies, open questions, and current limitations of LAAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulf Landmesser
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charite (DHZC), Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Straße 2, 10178 Berlin, Germany
- Friede Springer Cardiovascular Prevention Center@Charité, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
- DZHK Partner Site Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Skurk
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charite (DHZC), Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
- DZHK Partner Site Berlin, Germany
| | - Apostolos Tzikas
- Second Department of Cardiology, Hippocratic University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Department of Cardiology, Interbalkan Medical Center, Pylaia, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Volkmar Falk
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charite (DHZC), Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Straße 2, 10178 Berlin, Germany
- Friede Springer Cardiovascular Prevention Center@Charité, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
- DZHK Partner Site Berlin, Germany
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charite (DHZC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Vivek Y Reddy
- Helmsley Electrophysiology Center, Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Stephan Windecker
- Department of Cardiology, Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 18, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
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Sievert K, Asmarats L, Arzamendi D. Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Strengths and Weaknesses of the Lobe-Only Occluder Concept in Theory and in Practice. Card Electrophysiol Clin 2023; 15:193-200. [PMID: 37076231 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccep.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Left atrial appendage closure aims to eliminate the stasis component of Virchow triad by eliminating a cul-de-sac that favors thrombosis, particularly when atrial contractility becomes inefficient, such as in atrial fibrillation. Left atrial appendage closure devices have a common objective of sealing the appendage completely, with device stability and avoidance of device thrombosis. Two main device designs have been used to perform left atrial appendage closure: those that use a pacifier design (lobe + disk) and those that use a plug (single lobe) design. This review highlights the potential features and benefits of the single-lobe devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kolja Sievert
- CardioVascular Center Frankfurt (CVC), St. Catherine Hospital, Seckbacher Landstraße 65, 60389 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lluis Asmarats
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau, Sant Antoni Maria Claret 167, Barcelona 08025, Spain
| | - Dabit Arzamendi
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau, Sant Antoni Maria Claret 167, Barcelona 08025, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV).
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Cresti A, Camara O. Left Atrial Thrombus-Are All Atria and Appendages Equal? Card Electrophysiol Clin 2023; 15:119-132. [PMID: 37076224 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccep.2023.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Although the left atrial appendage (LAA) seems useless, it has several critical functions that are not fully known yet, such as the causes for being the main origin of cardioembolic stroke. Difficulties arise due to the extreme range of LAA morphologic variability, making the definition of normality challenging and hampering the stratification of thrombotic risk. Furthermore, obtaining quantitative metrics of its anatomy and function from patient data is not straightforward. A multimodality imaging approach, using advanced computational tools for their analysis, allows a complete characterization of the LAA to individualize medical decisions related to left atrial thrombosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Cresti
- Cardiology Department, Misericordia Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Toscana SudEst, Via Senese, Grosseto 58100, Italy
| | - Oscar Camara
- BCN MedTech, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Tànger 122, Barcelona 08018, Spain.
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Wang Y, Wang M, Guo X, Han L, Kassab G. Safety and feasibility of left atrial appendage inversion in swine: A proof-of-concept study for potential therapy to prevent embolic stroke. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1011121. [PMID: 36873377 PMCID: PMC9978740 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1011121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion or exclusion has been used in patients with atrial fibrillation to prevent stroke, but the techniques and devices have shortcomings. This study aims to validate the safety and feasibility of a novel LAA inversion procedure. Methods: LAA inversion procedures were done in six pigs. Before the procedure and at 8 weeks postoperatively, heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram (ECG) were recorded. The serum concentration of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) was measured. The LAA was observed and measured by transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) and intracardiac echocardiogram (ICE). At 8 weeks after LAA inversion, the animal was euthanized. The heart was collected for morphology and histology, including hematoxylin-eosin, Masson trichrome, and immunofluorescence staining. Results: TEE and ICE showed that LAA was inverted, and the inversion was maintained during the 8-week study duration. Food intake, body weight gain, heart rate, blood pressure, ECG, and serum ANP level were comparable before and after the procedure. Morphology and histological staining showed that there was no obvious inflammation or thrombus. Tissue remodeling and fibrosis were observed at the LAA inverted site. Conclusion: The inversion of LAA effectively eliminates the dead space of LAA and thus may reduce the risk of embolic stroke. The novel procedure is safe and feasible, but the efficacy in reducing embolization remains to be demonstrated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmin Wang
- California Medical Innovations Institute, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - Xiaomei Guo
- California Medical Innovations Institute, San Diego, CA, United States.,3DT Holdings, LCC, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Ling Han
- California Medical Innovations Institute, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Ghassan Kassab
- California Medical Innovations Institute, San Diego, CA, United States.,3DT Holdings, LCC, San Diego, CA, United States
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Sievert K, Asmarats L, Arzamendi D. Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Strengths and Weaknesses of the Lobe-Only Occluder Concept in Theory and in Practice. Interv Cardiol Clin 2022; 11:195-203. [PMID: 35361464 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccl.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Left atrial appendage closure aims to eliminate the stasis component of Virchow triad by eliminating a cul-de-sac that favors thrombosis, particularly when atrial contractility becomes inefficient, such as in atrial fibrillation. Left atrial appendage closure devices have a common objective of sealing the appendage completely, with device stability and avoidance of device thrombosis. Two main device designs have been used to perform left atrial appendage closure: those that use a pacifier design (lobe + disk) and those that use a plug (single lobe) design. This review highlights the potential features and benefits of the single-lobe devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kolja Sievert
- CardioVascular Center Frankfurt (CVC), St. Catherine Hospital, Seckbacher Landstraße 65, 60389 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lluis Asmarats
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau, Sant Antoni Maria Claret 167, Barcelona 08025, Spain
| | - Dabit Arzamendi
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau, Sant Antoni Maria Claret 167, Barcelona 08025, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV).
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Cresti A, Camara O. Left Atrial Thrombus-Are All Atria and Appendages Equal? Interv Cardiol Clin 2022; 11:121-134. [PMID: 35361457 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccl.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Although the left atrial appendage (LAA) seems useless, it has several critical functions that are not fully known yet, such as the causes for being the main origin of cardioembolic stroke. Difficulties arise due to the extreme range of LAA morphologic variability, making the definition of normality challenging and hampering the stratification of thrombotic risk. Furthermore, obtaining quantitative metrics of its anatomy and function from patient data is not straightforward. A multimodality imaging approach, using advanced computational tools for their analysis, allows a complete characterization of the LAA to individualize medical decisions related to left atrial thrombosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Cresti
- Cardiology Department, Misericordia Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Toscana SudEst, Via Senese, Grosseto 58100, Italy
| | - Oscar Camara
- BCN MedTech, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Tànger 122, Barcelona 08018, Spain.
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Exclusion of left atrial appendage: effects beyond thromboembolic prevention. Curr Opin Cardiol 2022; 37:10-14. [PMID: 34698668 DOI: 10.1097/hco.0000000000000936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to summarize the nonthromboembolic prevention effects of left atrial appendage exclusion (LAAE). RECENT FINDINGS Left atrial appendage (LAA) secretes multiple hormones; regulates blood volume and pressure; and generates trigger activities. Exclusion of the LAA by different techniques may lead to downstream effects including changes in blood pressure and cardiac performance, improvement of outcome of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, and alteration of metabolism. SUMMARY LAAE procedures not only prevent thromboembolic events in patients with AF, but rather may bring additional benefits or side-effect to patients undergoing LAAE.
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Schmidt T, Ferrara F, Pobloth AM, Jeuthe S. Large Farm Animals Used for Research Purposes: A Survey on Purchase, Housing and Hygiene Management. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082158. [PMID: 34438616 PMCID: PMC8388472 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The use of farm animals, especially in biomedical research, has increased in recent years. As clear recommendations for the purchase, housing and health monitoring of these animals (sheep, goat, cattle and pigs) are still missing, many institutes have developed their own strategies and protocols to face the challenges associated with the use of farm animals. This may influence the comparability of research results and increase data variances, thus increasing animal use that contradicts the obligation to apply the 3Rs principle required in Directive 2010/63 EU and our national animal welfare law. Therefore, this survey aimed to define the current state of the art in research institutes working with farm animals in order to develop recommendations for the purchase, housing and hygiene management of farm animals used for research purposes; to refine the work with farm animals; and to reduce variability and, therefore, the number of animals required. Abstract Background: Farm animals (FAs) are frequently used in biomedical research. Recommendations for the purchase, housing and health monitoring of these animals (sheep, goats, cattle and pigs) are still missing, and many institutes have developed their own strategies and protocols to face the challenges associated with the use of farm animals. This may influence the comparability of research results and increase data variances, thus increasing animal use that contradicts the obligation to apply the 3Rs principle of reduction, refinement and replacement required in Directive 2010/63 EU and the German animal protection law. Methods: A survey was conducted to define the current state of the art in research institutes working with pigs, and large and small ruminants. Results: The results of the survey clearly show that there are no uniform procedures regarding the purchase, housing and hygiene management of farm animals contrary to small laboratory animals. The facilities make purpose-bound decisions according to their own needs and individual work instructions and implement their own useful protocols to improve and maintain the health of the animals. Conclusion: This survey was the first step to filling the gaps and identifying the status quo and practical applied measures regarding the purchase and hygiene monitoring of FAs in order to improve animal welfare and scientific validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Schmidt
- Institute for Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Fabienne Ferrara
- Consulting and Training in Laboratory Animal Science, 10589 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Anne-Marie Pobloth
- Julius Wolff Institute, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Sarah Jeuthe
- Max-Delbrück Centrum Berlin, 13125 Berlin, Germany;
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