scholarly journals Successful Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion with the New Generation Amulet® Device after Late-Occurring Embolization of an Amplatzer® Cardiac Plug in a Patient with Repetitive Strokes

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Marco R. Schroeter ◽  
Wolfgang Schillinger

The Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (ACP) is one of the most commonly used devices for percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure in order to prevent a stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation and contraindication for long-term oral anticoagulation therapy. We have previously described a patient who had experienced an embolization of the ACP device about 12 months after implantation and the device could be percutaneously retrieved. A few years later, he suffered from a posterior stroke and a stroke located in the brainstem as well as a transischemic attack (TIA). In order to protect him from further cardioembolic events a reocclusion of the LAA with the new generation of ACP device, the Amplatzer Amulet, was performed. A stable position of the device within follow-up period could be confirmed and the patient was free of additional strokes/TIA or bleeding events. This case stresses the importance of proper LAA sizing in order to prevent device embolization and notes that LAA size is not static. Moreover, it demonstrates that repeated implantation of an LAA occlusion device was still possible; one should be aware of undersizing the LAA dimensions and that the modifications of new generation LAA occlusion devices may overcome limitations of first-generation devices in order to prevent a cardioembolic stroke.

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 6-11
Author(s):  
J. А. Reiss ◽  
D. A. Evans

The study demonstrates the safety, feasibility and effectiveness of a comprehensive approach to minimize fluoroscopy and contrast use during Watchman left atrial closure device implantation.Background. The introduction of Watchman left atrial appendage occlusion device (WM) has provided an effective alternative to anticoagulation for patients with a high risk of cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) and high risk of bleeding and who are unable to take long-term anticoagulation therapy. Since its introduction, WM has been implanted more than 50,000 times worldwide. While the implant procedure is relatively safe, it involves the use of fluoroscopy and contrast and, as such, poses some associated risk to patient safety. The adoption of procedural techniques which reduce fluoroscopy exposure and contrast use have the potential to provide clinical patient benefit without compromising safety or efficacy. Aim To demonstrate that WM implant can be performed with minimal exposure to both ionizing radiation and IV contrast without compromising safety or efficacy.Methods. A retrospective chart review of all 75 consecutive Watchman implantations by a single operator at a single center between December 2015 and December 2017. Every effort to optimize the WM implant procedure and minimize radiation and contrast exposure was incorporated as implant techniques evolved. Contrast and radiation exposure data were collected and analyzed year-over-year.Results. Charts from 75 consecutive cases were reviewed with all cases at index procedure (100%), and included the majority of patients presenting in paroxysmal AF (63%). Baseline patient characteristics were consistent across years. Procedural characteristics also were consistent over time. The median absorbed radiation dose was low (75 mGy in 2015) and did not change significantly over time. Similarly, the median fluoroscopy time used after the initial case was low (2.8 minutes) and did not vary. 73 of 75 (97%) of procedures resulted in successful implantation. There were no procedural complications; notably, no cases resulted in stroke, death, pericardial effusion, vascular accidents or device embolization.Conclusion.The current generation of WM can be successfully implanted using low fluoroscopy and contrast without compromising safety or efficacy using the techniques described.


2018 ◽  
Vol 71 (11) ◽  
pp. A402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tawseef Dar ◽  
Bharath Yarlagadda ◽  
Apostolos Tzikas ◽  
Vaishnavi Veerapaneni ◽  
Valay Parikh ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Andre Briosa e Gala ◽  
Andrew Cox ◽  
Michael Pope ◽  
Timothy Betts

Abstract Background Caring for athletes with cardiac disease requires an approach that caters to the specific needs of the athlete. Case summary A 27-year-old professional rugby player was admitted with decompensated heart failure and atrial fibrillation (AF). Transthoracic echocardiogram showed features in keeping with a dilated cardiomyopathy with severe left ventricular (LV) systolic impairment. He made good progress on evidence-based heart failure medication and his LV systolic function returned to normal. He failed to maintain sinus rhythm with cardioversion and remained in persistent AF. He then suffered a transient ischaemic attack despite appropriate anticoagulation. At 1-year follow-up, he was asymptomatic and against medical advice continued to play competitive rugby whilst taking rivaroxaban. He subsequently underwent implantation with a percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion device, allowing him to discontinue anticoagulation, reduce his bleeding risk and resume his career, whilst simultaneously lowering the thromboembolic risk. Discussion Counselling should include different management options aimed at minimizing the risks to athletes if they to return to competitive sports. Left atrial appendage occlusion devices are a suitable AF-related stroke prevention strategy in athletes competing in full-contact sports.


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