PO-639-03 3D MAPPING FACILITATED, INTRA-CARDIAC ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY (ICE) GUIDED LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE OCCLUSION (LAAO) IS FEASIBLE AND SAFE, PROVIDING SIMILAR EFFICACY WITH LESS PERSONNEL THAN TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY (TEE) GUIDED PROCEDURES

Abstract

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) provides an alternative for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation who cannot be safely anticoagulated long-term. WATCHMAN FLX placement was described, and is traditionally performed, with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance under general anesthesia (GA). The implanting physician, echocardiography team, and anesthesia team must all be present, complicating coordination and scheduling. The use of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) with 3D mapping guidance in place of TEE for LAAO procedures can eliminate the need for additional personnel.