| publication name | Outcome of left atrial appendage occlusion in high-risk patients |
|---|---|
| Authors | Masoud A, Bartoletti S, Fairbairn T, Khurana A, Velavan P, Morrison WL, Khalatbari A, Aggarwal S, Sharma N, Kirchhof P, Gupta D |
| year | 2018 |
| keywords | atrial fibrillation; stroke |
| journal | Heart |
| volume | 104 |
| issue | 7 |
| pages | 594-599 |
| publisher | BMJ |
| Local/International | International |
| Paper Link | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29122931 |
| Full paper | download |
| Supplementary materials | Not Available |
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion can be an interventional alternative to oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. METHODS: We delivered LAA occlusion therapy using a standardised approach to patient referral, multidisciplinary team assessment, implant criteria, imaging and follow-up. We analysed patient characteristics, efficacy and safety of the implant procedure, and 12-month outcomes. RESULTS: Of 143 referrals from October 2014 to December 2016, 83 patients (age 76±8years, 32.5% female, mean CHAD2S2-VASc score 4 ±1) were offered LAA occlusion. Eighty (95.3%) had previous major bleeding (intracranial in 59%). LAA occluder implantation with an Amulet device was successful in 82 (98.8%), with periprocedural major adverse events occurring in 5 (6.0%) patients (2 device embolisations including 1 death, 2 major bleeds). Cardiac imaging in 75 (94%) patients 2months following implant showed device-related thrombus in 1 case (1.3%) and minor (