Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure using the LAmbre device. First clinical results in Poland

Definition and anatomical description of the left atrial appendage neck

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is well known as a source of cardiac thrombus formation. Despite its clinical importance, the LAA neck is still anatomically poorly defined. Therefore, this study aimed to define the LAA neck and determine its morphometric characteristics. We performed three-dimensional reconstructions of the heart chambers based on contrast-enhanced electrocardiography-gated computed tomography scans of 200 patients (47% females, 66.5 ± 13.6 years old). The LAA neck was defined as a truncated cone-shaped canal bounded proximally by the LAA orifice and distally by the lobe origin and was present in 98.0% of cases. The central axis of the LAA neck was 14.7 ± 2.3 mm. The mean area of the LAA neck walls was 856.6 ± 316.7 mm2 . The LAA neck can be divided into aortic, arterial (the smallest), venous (the largest), and free surfaces. All areas have a trapezoidal shape with a broader proximal base. There were no statistically significant differences in the morphometric characteristics of the LAA neck between LAA types. Statistically significant differences between the sexes in the main morphometric parameters of the LAA neck were found in the central axis length and the LAA neck wall area. The LAA neck can be evaluated from computed tomography scans and their three-dimensional reconstructions. The current study provides a complex morphometric analysis of the LAA neck. The precise definition and morphometric details of the LAA neck presented in this study may influence the effectiveness and safety of LAA exclusion procedures.

Combining echocardiography and fluoroscopy imaging in real time for left atrial appendage occlusion - single center experience from Poland

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) presents a growing health concern, often requiring stroke prevention measures, primarily through oral anticoagulation (OAC). Surgical interventions such as left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) offer alternatives when OAC is contraindicated. In recent years, percutaneous procedures have gained traction as minimally invasive options, demanding precise anatomical insights. Fusion imaging (FI), which combines transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and fluoroscopy, has emerged as a potential game-changer in transcatheter interventions.

Aim

This study introduces FI to LAAO procedures in Poland, assessing its role in guiding interventions, highlighting advantages, and exploring its potential to reshape cardiovascular interventions.

Material and methods

We conducted a retrospective study involving LAAO procedures from March 2015 to December 2018, all utilizing FI. Patient indications, procedural specifics, and safety metrics were collected and analyzed. Follow-ups were conducted at 3 and 6 months.

Results

A cohort of 83 patients (mean age: 72.1 ±8.4 years) underwent successful LAAO procedures. FI provided precise device placement and anatomical assessment. Mean procedure time was 54.9 ±34.3 min, contrast medium usage averaged 33.7 ±22.7 ml, and creatinine levels remained stable. Patients were discharged in about 4.2 ±3.4 days. Adverse effects were rare, including minimal bleeding and cardiac tamponade. Follow-ups demonstrated favorable outcomes with low adverse event rates.

Conclusions

This study marks the inaugural application of FI in Polish LAAO procedures. FI, offering enhanced visualization and reduced procedure times, holds promise in improving patient safety and treatment efficacy. We recommend its consideration as a standard visualization technique for LAAO procedures.

Postoperative Coagulation Changes in Patients after Epicardial Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Varies Based on the Left Atrial Appendage Size

Left atrial appendage occlusion affects systemic coagulation parameters, leading to additional patient-related benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in coagulation factor changes 6 months after epicardial left atrial appendage occlusion in patients with different LAA morphometries. This is the first study to analyze these relationships in detail. A prospective study of 22 consecutive patients was performed. Plasminogen, fibrinogen, tPA concentration, PAI-1, TAFI and computed tomography angiograms were performed. Patients were divided into subgroups based on left atrial appendage body and orifice diameter enlargement. The results of blood tests at baseline and six-month follow-up were compared. In a population with normal LAA body size and normal orifice diameter size, a significant decrease in analyzed clotting factors was observed between baseline and follow-up for all parameters except plasminogen. A significant decrease between baseline and follow-up was observed with enlarged LAA body size in all parameters except TAFI, in which it was insignificant and plasminogen, in which a significant increase was observed. Occlusion of the left atrial appendage is beneficial for systemic coagulation. Patients with a small LAA may benefit more from LAA closure in terms of stabilizing their coagulation factors associated with potential thromboembolic events in the future.

A decade later: long-term results of the first percutaneous epicardial closure of the left atrial appendage using the LARIAT device

Introduction

Over the past decade, left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has emerged as an established alternative to oral anticoagulation for patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF). The LARIAT device stands as the sole available epicardial system for complete percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure.

Aim

To present the extended outcomes (spanning over 9 years of observation) in patients with AF who underwent epicardial LAAO. The presented results constitute the longest observation in world literature.

Material and methods

A prospective, single-center study was conducted on 121 patients undergoing LAAO with the LARIAT system. Incidence of thromboembolic events and severe bleeding and mortality rates were documented. The reduction in the risk of thromboembolism and bleeding after LAAO was quantified.

Results

The mean follow-up duration was 74.18 months. The average CHADS2 score was 1.9 ±1.0, CHA2DS2-VAS score was 2.8 ±1.5, and HAS-BLED score was 2.7 ±1.0. The mean annual thromboembolic event rate was 0.7%, resulting in a 75% reduction in estimated thromboembolic risk. The annual occurrence of major bleeding complications was 0.8%, leading to a 67.9% reduction in estimated bleeding risk. The overall annual mortality rate was 1.2%.

Conclusions

Epicardial LAAO employing the LARIAT device yields commendable long-term outcomes by reducing stroke and bleeding risk.

Changes in fibrinolytic activity and coagulation factors after epicardial left atrial appendage closure in patients with atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is known to be the primary source of thrombus formation in atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigate whether epicardial LAA occlusion (LAAO) from the cardiovascular system has an effect on coagulation and prothrombotic status in AF.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients with nonvalvular AF, who were not currently receiving oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy, participated in a single-center prospective study. We measured fibrinogen and plasminogen levels along with plasma fibrin clot permeability, clot lysis time (CLT) and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) before the LAAO procedure, at discharge and 1 month afterward.

RESULTS

One month after the LAAO procedure, plasma fibrin clot permeability improved by 39.3% as measured by clots prepared from peripheral blood (P=0.019) and also after adjustment for fibrinogen (P=0.027). Higher plasma fibrin clot permeability was associated with improved clot susceptibility to lysis (r=-0.67, P=0.013). CLT was reduced by 10.3% (P=0.0020), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 antigen levels were reduced by 52% (P=0.023) and plasminogen activity was increased by 8.9% (P=0.0077). A trend toward decreased thrombin generation, reflected by a decreased ETP and peak thrombin generated was also observed 1 month after LAAO procedure (P=0.072 and P=0.087, respectively). No differences were observed in tissue-type plasminogen activator and thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor plasma levels (both P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Obtained results seem to confirm that LAA plays a key role in thrombogenesis. Elimination of LAA from the circulatory system may improve fibrin clot permeability and susceptibility to fibrinolysis in peripheral blood.

Left Atrial Appendage Closure with a New Occluder Device: Efficacy, Safety and Mid-Term Performance

The LAmbreTM device is a novel system designed for left atrial appendage closure (LAAC). First registries showed a high rate of device implantation success. However, few mid-term results are available. We present our 1- and 12-month follow-up results for this device. This prospective, single-center registry included consecutive patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who underwent LAAC with the LAmbreTM device. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed at 1-month follow-up. In total, 55 patients were included. The population was elderly (75 ± 9.4 years), with a high proportion of comorbidities. The mean CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were 4.6 ± 1.6 and 3.9 ± 1.0, respectively. Previous history of a major bleeding event was present in 37 patients (67.3%). Procedural success was achieved in 54 patients (98.2%). Device success was achieved in 100% of patients in whom device implantation was attempted (54 patients). Major in-hospital device-related complications included mortality of one patient (1.8%) and pericardial tamponade in two patients (3.6%); the incidence of stroke was 0%. No thrombus or significant leaks (≥5 mm) were observed on 1-month TEE. At 12 months, adverse events were overall death (1.8%), transient ischemic attack/ischemic stroke (1.8%), and major bleeding events (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) 3a and 3c; 11%). In this high-risk population, the LAmbreTM device seems to be a safe and effective option for LAAC with a remarkable mid-term performance.

Long-term effect of anticoagulation following left atrial appendage occlusion with the LARIAT device in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: impact on thromboembolism, bleeding and mortality. Real life data

Introduction

Indications for left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) are varied and patients require individual management strategies. However, currently no guidelines exist for postprocedure oral anticoagulation (OAC) after an LAAO procedure.

Aim

To evaluate the effect of OAC on thromboembolism, bleeding and mortality following the LAAO procedure for patients with AF.

Material and methods

One hundred and thirty-nine consecutive patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) who underwent LAAO with the LARIAT device were followed for at least 40 months. Decisions about OAC and its modifications were individualized based on clinical presentation, patient and physician preferences.

Results

Following LAAO, 52 (41%) patients did not receive OAC (No-OAC group) and 75 (59%) patients received OAC (OAC group), without any intergroup differences in CHADS₂, CHA₂DS₂-VASc score or other thromboembolic risk factors. The median HAS-BLED score was higher in the OAC-group (median 3 (3-4) vs. 3 (2-4), p = 0.014). During a median follow-up time of 51 (43-57) vs. 55 (48-59) months in the No-OAC group and in the OAC group (p = 0.19) there were no significant differences between groups in ischemic stroke/TIA, 0 (0%) vs. 2 (2.7%), other thromboembolic events, 0 (0%) vs. 1 (1.3%), life-threatening, disabling or major events, 2 (3.7%) vs. 2 (2.7%), or annual mortality rate, 1.9% vs. 0.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

There is no need for OAC after the LAAO procedure. Omitting OAC after an LAAO procedure in AF patients: (1) has similar stroke prevention rates as patients on OAC, (2) has similar bleeding prevention rates as patients on OAC, (3) has similar safety endpoints and long-term efficacy as patients on OAC.