Epicardial Left Atrial Appendage Ligation Research Articles

The Strengths and Weaknesses of Left Atrial Appendage Ligation or Exclusion (LARIAT, AtriaClip, Surgical Suture)

Left atrial appendage (LAA) epicardial exclusion has been associated with addressing 2 potential deleterious consequences attributed to the LAA, namely, thrombus formation and an arrhythmogenic contributor in advanced forms of atrial fibrillation. With more than 60 years of history, the surgical exclusion of the LAA has been firmly established. Numerous approaches have been used for surgical LAA exclusion including surgical resections, suture ligation, cutting and non-cutting staples, and surgical clips. Additionally, a percutaneous epicardial LAA ligation approach has been developed. A discussion of the various epicardial LAA exclusion approaches and their efficacy will be discussed, along with the salient beneficial affects on LAA thrombus formation, LAA electrical isolation and neuroendocrine homeostasis.

Is Anticoagulation Warranted after Left Atrial Appendage Ligation in Patients at Risk for Stroke after Cardiac Surgery?

Objectives: Left atrial appendage ligation (LAAL) may constitute alternative stroke prophylaxis in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Herein we describe the 30-day post discharge outcomes of cardiac surgery patients with elevated stroke risk with or without anticoagulation (AC) following epicardial LAAL. Methods: Data were reviewed for 479 consecutive adult patients who underwent epicardial LAAL from 2014-2019 (median CHA2DS2-VASc score = 4.0). There were 251 and 228 patients discharged with and without AC, respectively, who were followed for 30 days. Patients were matched via 1:1 Propensity Score Matching (PSM; n = 115 per group). Post-discharge outcomes included stroke, bleeding, readmission for cardiac re-intervention, mortality, and a composite endpoint comprised of the aforementioned outcomes. Results: There was no difference in post-discharge stroke incidence regardless of AC (adjusted cumulative incidence (ACI) 0.009 CI [0.001 - 0.043] with AC vs 0.009 CI [0.001 - 0.43] without AC; p = 0.826), post-discharge bleeding (ACI 0.018 CI [0.003 - 0.057] with AC vs 0.009 CI [0.001 - 0.046] without AC; p = 0.738), readmission for cardiac re-intervention (ACI 0.009 CI [0.009 - 0.009] with AC vs 0 CI [NA] without AC; p = 0.340, post-discharge mortality (ACI 0 CI NA with AC vs 0.009 CI [0.001 - 0.046] without AC; p = 0.123, or in the composite outcome (ACI 0.026 CI [0.007 - 0.069] with AC vs 0.027 CI [0.007 - 0.071] without AC; p = 0.824. Conclusion: Cessation of AC in patients with elevated stroke risk following epicardial LAAL during cardiac surgery does not affect stroke rate, mortality, or bleeding incidence up to 30 days post-discharge in this preliminary analysis.

Abstract 10920: Cost-Effectiveness of Pulmonary Vein Isolation with Epicardial Left Atrial Appendage Ligation for the Treatment of Non-Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction: Electrical isolation of the left atrial appendage (LAA) using percutaneous epicardial ligation may improve catheter ablation outcomes for non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Little is known regarding the cost effectiveness of this procedure. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that cost-effectiveness between pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) + LAA epicardial ligation using a percutaneous LARIAT ® Suture Delivery Device would be cost effective (CE) compared to PVI alone over 5 years. Methods: A Markov model simulated outcomes for a population with annual stroke risk of 4.6% (CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score 3). Model inputs for procedure efficacy, stroke and bleed events, health utility, and event costs were estimated from literature. Procedure costs from Medicare rates were used. The model had a 5-year time-horizon and US payer perspective. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were performed. Outcomes were health care costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). In the base case, PVI + LAA ligation efficacy from published studies was 67% after 1-year, with an estimated 25% oral anticoagulant (OAC) utilization in PVI + LAA ligation patients in normal sinus rhythm 13-60 months after the index procedure. Cost effectiveness thresholds were evaluated with alternative PVI + LAA ligation efficacy and OAC utilization rates, including 1-year PVI + LAA ligation efficacies of 67%, 70%, 75%, and 80% and OAC utilization of 20-60%. Results: In the base case, PVI + LAA ligation had a mean 5-year cost of $72,865 with 3.25 QALYs and PVI alone had mean cost of $69,936 with 3.19 QALYs. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $46,716; PVI + LAA ligation was CE at $50,000 per QALY gained. In PSA, 64% and 82% of simulations were CE at $50,000 and $100,000 per QALY gained, respectively. In various scenarios, procedure efficacy of 75% combined with OAC utilization of 50% or below yielded CE at $50,000 per QALY gained. Reduction of OAC utilization to 30% yielded CE at $50,000 per QALY gained, regardless of efficacy. Conclusions: In the base case, PVI + LAA ligation was CE at $50,000 per QALY gained when compared to PVI alone. The CE threshold for efficacy was 75% and OAC utilization was 30%. Cost savings were driven by reductions in OAC use and increased efficacy.

Single-Incision Thoracoscopic Left Atrial Appendage Ligation: First Reported Experience.

Atrial fibrillation is an increasingly prevalent entity faced by cardiac surgeons. While oral anticoagulation therapy aims to reduce the risk of thromboembolic events patients may desire to discontinue these medications or develop contraindications to their use. Left atrial appendage ligation permits stoppage of oral anticoagulation while also reducing the risk of cerebrovascular events. This manuscript describes the techniques employed in the first reported successful uniportal/single-incision, thoracoscopic epicardial left atrial appendage ligation.

Concomitant epicardial left atrial appendage ligation and left atrial ablation of atrial fibrillation: Safety, feasibility and outcome.

IntroductionWe present initial results of patients undergoing a combined procedure of epicardial LAA ligation in addition to left atrial ablation for AF.Methods9 patients were included for additional use of LARIAT as an individual treatment approach for AF. First an epicardial LAA ligation was performed, in the same procedure left atrial ablations consisting of PVI and additional substrate based modifying ablations were performed. Follow–up at 3 months and 12 months was performed.ResultsThere was only 1 minor procedural complication (11%) involving epicardial bleeding and 2 late adverse events of pericardial tamponade and stroke. At the final follow-up (median 20 months) 7 patients were in stable sinus rhythm (78%) and 2 pts had reduced AF burden.ConclusionConcomitant epicardial LAA ligation and ablation is feasible in selected patients with a reasonable risk profile. More prospective data are required to validate the safety and efficacy.

Correction to: Acute and long-term outcomes of epicardial left atrial appendage ligation with the second-generation LARIAT device: a high-volume electrophysiology center experience.

Unfortunately, an error occurred in the conclusion section of this article. The corrected conclusion text is given below.

Acute and long-term outcomes of epicardial left atrial appendage ligation with the second-generation LARIAT device: a high-volume electrophysiology center experience.

Epicardial left atrial appendage (LAA) ligation may be an alternative to oral anticoagulation management and to endocardial LAA closure devices. We report long-term results after LAA ligation with the second-generation LARIAT device. Retrospective study was performed on patients who underwent LAA ligation at our center. Follow-up included patient visits and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to assess LAA-to-LA leakages. 76 patients with an indication for LAA closure underwent cardiac CT-based screening with 16 patients (21%) excluded from LAA ligation due to anatomical reasons. Finally, 48 patients (70 ± 9 years, 23 women) underwent LAA ligation with successful LAA closure in 44 patients (92%). Major periprocedural complications occurred in three patients (6%; one major femoral bleeding, one pneumothorax with surgical drainage, one right ventricular perforation with concomitant stroke). Additionally, minor complications occurred in 27% of the patients with mild pericarditis in eight of these patients being the most common adverse event. Clinical follow-up (median of 443 days, interquartile range 158; 773) was obtained from 38 patients. One thromboembolic event (transient ischemic attack) occurred. Complete LAA closure was demonstrated in 23/35 patients (66%) with TEE follow-up. Major leakages > 5mm without documentation of intracardiac thrombi were documented in four patients (11%). Epicardial LAA ligation with the second-generation LARIAT device was associated with a high acute success rate comparable to endocardial LAA closure devices. LAA ligation was accompanied by a relevant incidence of periprocedural complications with mild pericarditis being the most common adverse event. Follow-up demonstrated a moderate incidence of leakages after LAA exclusion, no intracardiac thrombus formation and only a single thromboembolic event. The effectiveness in preventing thromboembolic events needs further investigation in larger patient cohorts.

P398Acute and long-term outcomes of epicardial left atrial appendage ligation with the second generation LARIAT device: A European high-volume electrophysiology center experience

P398Acute and long-term outcomes of epicardial left atrial appendage ligation with the second generation LARIAT device: A European high-volume electrophysiology center experience

Percutaneous ligation of the left atrial appendage results in atrial electrical substrate modification

Debulking of electrically active atrial tissue may reduce the mass of fibrillating tissue during atrial fibrillation, eliminate triggers, and promote maintenance of normal sinus rhythm (NSR). We investigated whether left atrial appendage (LAA) ligation results in modification of atrial electrical substrate. Healthy male mongrel dogs (N = 20) underwent percutaneous epicardial LAA ligation. The ligation system grabber recorded LAA local electrograms (EGM) continuously before, during, and after closure. Successful ligation with a preloaded looped suture was confirmed intraprocedurally by LAA Doppler flow cessation on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and loss of LAA electrical activity, and after procedure by direct necropsic visualization. P-wave duration on surface electrocardiograms was measured immediately before and after LAA closure. Percent P-wave duration reduction was correlated with preclosure LAA internal dimensions measured by TEE and external dimensions measured on necropsy specimens to investigate associations of LAA geometry with the extent of electrical substrate modification. LAA ligation was successful in all dogs and accompanied by loss of LAA EGM. P-wave duration reduced immediately on ligation (mean 75 ms preligation to 63 ms postligation; mean difference ± standard error, 12 ± 1 ms; P < 0.0001). Percent P-wave reduction was associated with larger LAA longitudinal cross-sectional area (R(2) = 0.263, P = 0.04) and smaller external circumference (R(2) = 0.687, P = 0.04). All dogs were in sinus rhythm. Percutaneous LAA ligation results in its acute electrical isolation and atrial electrical substrate modification, the degree of which is associated with LAA geometry. These electrical changes raise the possibility that LAA ligation may promote NSR by removing LAA substrate and triggers.

Percutaneous Epicardial Left Atrial Appendage Closure: Intermediate-Term Results

Chronic Percutaneous Epicardial Appendage Closure. To assess the chronic safety and feasibility of percutaneous epicardial closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) guided by electrical navigation. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with stroke, and LAA occlusion may be a useful nonpharmacologic strategy for stroke prevention in AF. Percutaneous epicardial access was obtained in 6 dogs under general anesthesia. The ligation system included a grabber that captures the LAA guided by local electrograms (EGMs) and a looped hollow suture preloaded with a central wire enabling control and visualization. After a satisfactory position is confirmed the loop is tightened remotely, and the suture cut. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) assessed LAA dimensions and flow. LAA EGMs were recorded pre- and postclosure, and neurohormonal markers measured. Pathologic examination was performed. LAA ligation was successful in all dogs. LAA flow was immediately abolished in 5 of 6 dogs. Disappearance of local LAA EGMs following ligation was observed in all animals. Follow-up TEE at mean 54 days (range 23-75 days) documented residual flow in only the first 2 dogs. Prior to necropsy the LAA was examined at thoracotomy in 3 animals. Following a minor design change, complete closure and fibrosis with a remnant atretic LAA was noted in all animals. No damage to adjacent structures was noted. Neurohormonal markers were unchanged. Percutaneous epicardial LAA ligation guided by electrical navigation is feasible with promising intermediate-term results in the canine model. The technique may be useful as an alternative to existing methods of LAA obliteration in humans.

Left atrial appendage as a target for reducing strokes: Justifiable rationale? Safe and effective approaches?

u t b One of every six strokes occurs in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Among the patients in whom a left atrial thrombus is found, 90% are located in the left atrial appendage (LAA). Given the morbidity and disability associated ith stroke, various targets to decrease this dreaded comlication have been identified. AF itself appeared intuitively to be a viable target; however, ntiarrhythmic drugs, even when effective in reducing AF, ave not been shown to reduce stroke risk. To date, anticoaglation remains the mainstay for managing stroke risk with AF. arfarin decreases the likelihood of stroke by 60% to 70% ompared with no antithrombotic therapy and 30% to 40% ompared with aspirin. Significant limitations with warfarin se, including hemorrhagic stroke, prevalence of subtherapeutic anticoagulation, narrow therapeutic window, need for close monitoring, and various diet and drug interactions, greatly limit the actual utility of this proven therapy. The severity of the disease (stroke) combined with the lack of safe and effective therapies has understandably led to the development of novel therapies, including a variety of surgical and percutaneous approaches that target the LAA. In this issue of Heart Rhythm, Bartus et al report the first human experince of a percutaneous epicardial LAA ligation technique sing the LARIAT snare device (SentreHEART Inc., Palo lto, CA, USA). This technique involves a combined endoardial and percutaneous subxiphoid epicardial magnet-tipped ire-guided approach and snaring of the LAA at the ostium. hree screening computerized tomography (CT) scans were erformed to assess the appropriateness of the appendage anatmy and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) with conrast fluoroscopy used to assess effective closure. Ten of 11 atients (9 with percutaneous epicardial access and 2 with imultaneous open surgical mitral valve replacement) had sucessful acute ligation. Follow-up was available at 60 days in 6 f these patients, and 4 of these had persistent closure. In order

Percutaneous Epicardial Left Atrial Appendage Closure: Preliminary Results of an Electrogram Guided Approach

Pharmacologic therapies to prevent stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF) have numerous limitations, prompting the development of device-based therapies. We investigated whether an electrogram-based approach using a novel hollow suture can safely capture and ligate the left atrial appendage (LAA). A novel system for closure of the LAA within the confines of the closed pericardium with a single sheath puncture was tested in 4 dogs. The tool used to grasp the appendage was fitted with electrodes and utilized electrical navigation to identify and confirm LAA capture. A hollow suture preloaded with a mechanical support wire to permit its manipulation and fluoroscopic visualization was advanced over the grasper, and the wire removed after the suture was positioned. The LAA was successfully closed in all dogs. In 2 dogs, after closure, a thoracotomy was performed and the LAA amputated without bleeding, confirming closure integrity. Necropsy confirmed closure in all animals. Using electrical navigation, percutaneous epicardial LAA ligation with a remotely tightened suture was performed successfully within the confines of the intact pericardial space. This technique may allow decreasing the risk of stroke in AF patients without the need for thoracotomy or an endocardially placed prosthetic device.