Follow Up imaging After Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion–Something or Nothing and for How Long?

Abstract

Routine postprocedural imaging with transesophageal echocardiography or cardiac computed tomography angiography is the most commonly used imaging modality for follow-up surveillance usually performed 1 to 6months after the procedure. Imaging enables recognition of well-suited and sealed devices in the left atrial appendage as well as of potential harmful complications such as peri-device leaks, device-related thrombus, and device embolization, which may lead to further surveillance observation with recurrent imaging, reinitiation of oral anticoagulants, or additional interventional procedures.