scholarly journals Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices for Stroke Prevention in Patients with Non-Valvular AF

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 87
Author(s):  
Daniel A McBride ◽  
Timothy M Markman ◽  
Jackson J Liang ◽  
Pasquale Santangeli ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Ventricular Rate ◽  
Thromboembolic Prophylaxis ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Left Ventricular Systole

The left atrial appendage (LAA) may be involved in offloading atrial pressure during left ventricular systole. As ventricular rate increases, LAA emptying decreases during early diastole causing increased risk of thrombus formation particularly in patients with non-valvular AF (NVAF). The LAA is the site of thrombus formation in more than 90 % of patients with NVAF, so is an important target for thromboembolic prophylaxis in these patients. Anticoagulation therapy is used to treat NVAF, but it has long-term complications and may be contraindicated in some patients. Therefore, alternative strategies to reduce embolic risk in patients with AF have been developed. These include percutaneous, thoracoscopic, and open closure strategies. This study reviews the safety and efficacy of these strategies, comparing these approaches and devices with pharmacological strategies. There is little data to endorse one strategy over another. Given the minimal evidence available, recommendations in support of LAA occlusion remain weak and guidelines have called for more research and coding of endpoints for this emerging technology.

scholarly journals Effect of the Alterations in Contractility and Morphology Produced by Atrial Fibrillation on the Thrombosis Potential of the Left Atrial Appendage

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danila Vella ◽  
Alessandra Monteleone ◽  
Giulio Musotto ◽  
Giorgia Maria Bosi ◽  
Gaetano Burriesci
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrium ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Fluid Dynamic ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Primary Role ◽  
Shear Strain Rate ◽  
Increased Risk

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia mainly affecting the elderly population, which can lead to serious complications such as stroke, ischaemic attack and vascular dementia. These problems are caused by thrombi which mostly originate in the left atrial appendage (LAA), a small muscular sac protruding from left atrium. The abnormal heart rhythm associated with AF results in alterations in the heart muscle contractions and in some reshaping of the cardiac chambers. This study aims to verify if and how these physiological changes can establish hemodynamic conditions in the LAA promoting thrombus formation, by means of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analyses. In particular, sinus and fibrillation contractility was replicated by applying wall velocity/motion to models based on healthy and dilated idealized shapes of the left atrium with a common LAA morphology. The models were analyzed and compared in terms of shear strain rate (SSR) and vorticity, which are hemodynamic parameters directly associated with thrombogenicity. The study clearly indicates that the alterations in contractility and morphology associated with AF pathologies play a primary role in establishing hemodynamic conditions which promote higher incidence of ischaemic events, consistently with the clinical evidence. In particular, in the analyzed models, the impairment in contractility determined a decrease in SSR of about 50%, whilst the chamber pathological dilatation contributed to a 30% reduction, indicating increased risk of clot formation. The equivalent rigid wall model was characterized by SSR values about one order of magnitude smaller than in the contractile models, and substantially different vortical behavior, suggesting that analyses based on rigid chambers, although common in the literature, are inadequate to provide realistic results on the LAA hemodynamics.

Cardiac rhythm disorders

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina H. Haugaa ◽  
Francesco Faletra ◽  
João L. Cavalcante
Keyword(s):  
Left Atrial ◽  
Ventricular Arrhythmias ◽  
Cardiac Rhythm ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Prognostic Information ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Increased Risk

Cardiac rhythm disorders require diagnostic, prognostic, and guidance of therapeutic procedures by echocardiography. The most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation (AF) leading to an increased risk for mortality, heart failure, and thromboembolic events. Echocardiography is performed to assess the aetiology of AF which most commonly is associated with diseases leading to enlarged atria. Furthermore, echocardiography is crucial to evaluate thromboembolic risk by assessing the morphology and function of the left atrial appendage among other parameters. Non-invasive imaging modalities including two-dimensional transthoracic (TTE) and transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) with three-dimensional imaging are often indicated. Finally, TOE can help in the preprocedural planning and providing guidance for interventions such as pulmonary vein ablation and percutaneous left atrial appendage closure. In patients with ventricular arrhythmias, TTE is the first-line diagnostic tool for assessing the aetiology of ventricular arrhythmias. Ischaemic heart disease, either acute or chronic fibrosis, is the most common causes of ventricular tachycardias. Left ventricular ejection fraction remains the most important parameter for indication of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator for primary prevention therapy, although newer strain echocardiographic measures may add incremental prognostic information.

scholarly journals Late left atrial appendage closure device displacement and massive thrombus formation: a case report

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Sasko ◽  
Oliver Ritter ◽  
Peter Bramlage ◽  
Fabian Riediger
Keyword(s):  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
Bleeding Risk ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Closure Device ◽  
Watchman Device ◽  
High Bleeding Risk ◽  
Laa Closure

Abstract Background  Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure with the WATCHMAN device is an alternative to anticoagulation therapy for the prevention of stroke in selected patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Infrequently, left atrial (LA) device-related thrombus formation occurs and it is poorly understood. Thrombus formation due to incomplete covering of the LAA is even rarer and may occur within the first few months after device implantation. Case summary  Here, we present a case of a 68-year-old male patient with permanent AF, drug- and hepatitis induced liver cirrhosis (CILD Score B), and prior aortic valve replacement. The patient had a history of percutaneous LAA closure using a WATCHMAN device. He developed massive peri-device leak and thrombus arising from the space between the device and appendage cleft 2 years after implantation. Because of the high bleeding risk with a HAS-BLED score of 5 points, surgery was chosen as the therapy of choice instead of long-term anticoagulation. The patient was discharged in good clinical condition and has been scheduled for a yearly follow-up. Discussion  This case emphasizes the importance of choosing appropriately sized LAA occluder devices and planning for regular post-interventional follow-ups to minimize the risk of per-device leaks and thrombi.

scholarly journals Non-Pharmacological Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation: Managing the Left Atrial Appendage

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sushil Allen Luis ◽  
Damian Roper ◽  
Alexander Incani ◽  
Karl Poon ◽  
Haris Haqqani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Blood Flow ◽  
Blood Flow Velocity ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Pharmacological Therapy ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Increased Risk

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasing in parallel with an ageing population leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The most feared complication of AF is stroke, with the arrhythmia being responsible for up to 20% of all ischemic strokes. An important contributor to this increased risk of stroke is the left atrial appendage (LAA). A combination of the LAA's unique geometry and atrial fibrillation leads to low blood flow velocity and stasis, which are precursors to thrombus formation. It has been hypothesized for over half a century that excision of the LAA would lead to a reduction in the incidence of stroke. It has only been in the last 20–25 years that the knowledge and technology has been available to safely carry out such a procedure. We now have a number of viable techniques, both surgical and percutaneous, which will be covered in this paper.

scholarly journals Predictive Value of Left Atrial Appendage Functional Parameters on Left Atrial Thrombus or Spontaneous Echo Contrast in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Changsheng Ma ◽  
Li Wang ◽  
Yuzhu Miao ◽  
Jiali Fan ◽  
Bingyuan Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Echocardiographic Parameters

Abstract Background: Left atrial appendage (LAA) spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC), sludge and thrombus were associated with a high incidence of thrombus formation and thromboembolic events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). We aim to identify the main echocardiographic parameters associated with LAA SEC or LAA sludge/thrombus in nonvalvular AF patients.Methods and results: 298 patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation were included in the current study between September 2019 and January 2021. Transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography were performed before scheduled electrical cardioversion. LA diameter and maximum left atrial appendage area were increased in the LAA SEC group than control group, and were further increased in patients with LAA sludge or thrombus. LAA-EV, LAA-FV, anterior mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) and LAA FAC were lower in the group with LAA SEC than control group, and were further reduced in LAA sludge or thrombus group. Lower LAA FAC and anterior MAPSE were associated with an increased risk of LAA SEC or LAA sludge/thrombus, and LAA FAC and anterior MAPSE showed high accuracy on predicting LAA SEC or LAA sludge/thrombus.Conclusion: Left atrial appendage FAC and anterior MAPSE improves left atrial appendage stasis in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

scholarly journals Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: A View From the UK

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-87
Author(s):  
Wern Yew Ding ◽  
Dhiraj Gupta ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Oral Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
The Past ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Uk

AF is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events, which is usually managed with oral anticoagulation therapy. However, despite a broad range of anticoagulant options and improved uptake in anticoagulation over the past decade, there are some limitations to this approach. Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion has been shown to be an effective alternative in this setting, and population data suggest a clear demand for this procedure. Over the past decade, several important changes to the commissioning and delivery of this service have occurred in the UK. In this article, the authors describe the use of percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion in the UK and discuss the challenges that lie ahead.

Abstract 18114: Prevalence of Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus in Oncologic Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nada Memon ◽  
David F Briceno ◽  
Mehul R Bhalja ◽  
Jose Banchs
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Oncologic Patients ◽  
The Mean

Introduction: There is considerable evidence that the left atrial appendage (LAA) is a common site for thrombus formation and its characteristics pose varying risks for having embolic events. Furthermore, atrial fibrillation has been found to occur with an increased frequency in patients with malignancies. The lack of evidence of standardized treatment strategies in the cancer population forces physicians to take an individualized approach to atrial fibrillation and stroke prevention. Herein, we describe the LAA characteristics in a cancer population with atrial fibrillation. Hypothesis: Cancer patients have an increased risk of LAA thrombus formation in atrial fibrillation. Methods: This is a retrospective study to determine the prevalence of LAA thrombus in a cohort of oncologic patients with atrial fibrillation. Two hundred and forty-five patients underwent transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) at MD Anderson Cancer Center during the period 2000-2013 for atrial fibrillation evaluation. Results: LAA thrombus was identified in 6.5% of patients (16 of 245). During follow up, three of these patients had experienced a stroke (19%). The mean age was 67 with 5 females (31%) and 11 males (69%). Fifteen patients were white. The majority of patients had solid tumors (75%, 12 of 16). The mean CHADS2 score was 1.3 +/- 0.9 and the mean left ventricular ejection fraction on transthoracic echo was 57 +/- 9%. Spontaneous echo contrast was noted on TEE in 56% of patients (9 of 16). Five patients were on antiplatelet therapy and 9 were on oral anticoagulants. Oncologic, TEE, and clinical data are detailed below (Table 1). Conclusions: The prevalence of LAA thrombus and stroke in cancer patients with atrial fibrillation is significant. These findings may be a reflection of the enhanced inflammatory state of cancer. This data suggest that LAA thrombus evaluation is critical in determining the anticoagulation strategy in atrial fibrillation patients with cancer.

scholarly journals Left atrial appendage thrombosis during therapy with rivaroxaban in elective cardioversion for permanent atrial fibrillation

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Walter Serra ◽  
Mauro Li Calzi ◽  
Paolo Coruzzi
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Systolic Function ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Left Ventricular Systolic Function ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Permanent Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Increased Risk

Electric external cardioversion (EEC) for permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) carries a risk of thromboembolic events (TE). The use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to guide the management of atrial fibrillation may be considered a clinically effective alternative strategy to conventional therapy for patients in whom elective cardioversion is planned. Therapeutic anticoagulation with novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC) is recommended for 3 to 4 weeks before and an anticoagulation life-long therapy is recommended after EEC to reduce TE, in patients with high CHA<sub>2</sub>DS<sub>2</sub>-VASc score; however, only few data are currently available about safety of shortterm anticoagulation with NOAC in the setting of EEC. Patients with increased risk of thromboembolism have not been adequately studied and the monitoring of anticoagulant effects can also have important benefits in case of drug interactions. We report a case of a 68-year old man with AF from September 2014. Moderate depression of global left ventricular systolic function was detected by echocardiographic exam. On the basis of a high thromboembolic risk, an anticoagulant therapy with rivaroxaban, at the dose of 20 mg/day, was started. TEE showed a thrombus in the left atrial appendage. This case demonstrates the utility of performing TEE prior than EEC in patients with hypokinetic cardiomyopathy other than AF in therapy with NOAC. We underline the presence of significant pharmacodynamic interference of rivaroxaban with other drugs such as oxcarbazepine.

scholarly journals Large Device-Related Thrombus Detected following Symptoms of Transient Ischemic Attack

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Osayi Lawani ◽  
Edward Baptista
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Transient Ischemic Attack ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion ◽  
Ischemic Attack

As an independent risk factor for stroke, atrial fibrillation has been shown to be associated with a fivefold increase in the cause of embolic stroke in comparison to healthy individuals without atrial fibrillation. This risk may be compounded by other factors; however, the main probable cause of stroke leading from atrial fibrillation is thrombus formation in the left atrial appendage. In patients for whom anticoagulation is contraindicated, left atrial appendage occlusion has become a leading alternative option for therapeutic prevention of thromboembolism and stroke in patients with this condition. Unfortunately, these devices (particularly the WATCHMAN) have been associated with a 3-6% incidence of intracardiac thrombus development postimplantation. Some risk factors for the development of device-related thrombus are high platelet count, permanent atrial fibrillation, resistance to clopidogrel, and prior transient ischemic attack or stroke. Despite following an anticoagulant regimen, thrombus formation was reported in 5.6% of participants of a randomized clinical trial, and further analysis showed that some of these patients continued to develop either ischemic stroke or thromboembolism five years later as compared to patients without initial thrombus development. We present a case of an elderly male with prior history of stroke and transient ischemic attack who developed a large device-related thrombus five months following WATCHMAN FLX™ implantation. Currently, there are no specific recommendations on the management of this rare complication; however, we discuss possible consideration of initially prolonging anticoagulation therapy following implantation for high-risk individuals, as there is an increased possibility for thrombus formation in this population. Management options should continue to be studied for therapeutic benefit in streamlining postprocedural therapy and improve future outcomes in the use of left atrial appendage occlusion devices, as well as continual thrombus prevention.

scholarly journals Demonstration of proof-of-concept of StrokeShield system for complete closure and occlusion of the left atrial appendage for non-valvular atrial fibrillation therapy

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0253299
Author(s):  
Mark S. Slaughter ◽  
Gretel Monreal ◽  
Steven C. Koenig ◽  
Guruprasad A. Giridharan ◽  
Landon H. Tompkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Pulmonary Veins ◽  
Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Minimal Risk ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Pull Out ◽  
Increased Risk

In the US, the most significant morbidity and mortality associated with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is embolic stroke, with 90% of thrombus originating from the left atrial appendage (LAA). Anticoagulation is the preferred treatment for the prevention of stroke in NVAF patients, but clinical studies have demonstrated high levels of non-compliance and increased risk of bleeding or ineligibility for anticoagulation therapy, especially in the elderly population where the incidence of NVAF is highest. Alternatively, stroke may be preventing using clinically approved surgical and catheter-based devices to exclude or occlude the LAA, but these devices continue to be plagued by peri-device leaks and thrombus formation because of residual volume. To overcome these limitations, Cor Habere (Louisville, KY) and the University of Louisville are developing a LAA closure device (StrokeShield) that completely occludes and collapses the LAA to minimize the risk of stroke. The StrokeShield device is a collapsible occluder (nitinol reinforced membrane) that completely covers the LAA orifice with an expandable conical coil anchor that attaches to the myocardium. The device is designed for catheter-based delivery and expands to completely occlude the LAA orifice and collapse the LAA. The primary advantages of the StrokeShield system are a completely sealed LAA (no peri-device flow or residual space) and smooth endothelialized connection to the left atrial wall with minimal risk of cardiac bleeding and tamponade. We tested proof-of-concept of a prototype StrokeShield device in acute (n = 2) and chronic 60-day (n = 2) healthy canine models. Acute results demonstrated that the conical coil securely attached to the myocardium (5N pull-out force) and the Nitinol umbrella fully deployed and covered the LAA ostium. Results from the chronic implants demonstrated long-term feasibility of device placement with no procedural or device-related intra- or post-operative complications, secure placement and correct positioning of the device with no device migration. The device successfully occluded the LAA ostium and collapsed the LAA with no interference with the mitral valve, circumflex coronary artery, or pulmonary veins. Necropsy demonstrated no gross signs of thrombus or end-organ damage and the device was encapsulated in the LAA. Histology demonstrated mature neointima covering the device with expected foreign body inflammatory response. These early positive results will help to guide the iterative design process for the continued development of the StrokeShield system.

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