Abstract 14411: Transcatheter Closure of Residual Leak Using Gore Cardioform Occluder After Failed Surgical Ligation of Left Atrial Appendage

Abstract

Introduction: In non-valvular atrial fibrillation, the left atrial appendage (LAA) is the most common site for thromboembolic formation. The current recommendation is that patients with afib and a CHA2DS2-VASC risk score >2 who undergo cardiac surgery should simultaneously have surgical left atrial appendage closure (Grade 1b). A rare complication that can occur includes incomplete LAA surgical closure with the residual leak, leading to an increased risk of stroke or thromboembolic events. We present two cases with residual leaks on follow-up after surgical ligation of LAA. Methods: Two patients aged 75 to 80 years old with a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, surgical mitral valve repair, and surgical left atrial appendage ligation underwent a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) to evaluate the LAA. The CHA2DS2-VASC risk score was 3 for both patients. There was evidence of a residual leak greater than 5 mm between the left atrium and left atrial appendage. Results: Given the residual leak and risk scores, both patients had an increased risk of stroke. Therefore both patients underwent successful transcatheter closure of the left atrial appendage using a 20 mm Gore CARDIOFORM occluder. TEE was used to confirm no residual color flow and confirmed complete closure of the defects. Patients were continued on oral anticoagulation (DOAC) for six weeks with the plan to switch to antiplatelets. Conclusions: Studies have shown that surgical ligation of LAA can result in a residual leak which can increase the risk of systemic embolization. Following failed surgical ligation of LAA, transcatheter closure of residual leak with Gore CARDIOFORM occluder may be a safe and effective strategy for management. Further studies are needed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and outcomes of utilizing a septal occluder device in patients with residual leaks due to failed surgical ligation of LAA.