Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Ligation Research Articles

Combination of percutaneous left appendage epicardial ligation and endo-epicardial atrial fibrillation ablation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the main cause of cardioembolic stroke. In high-bleeding-risk patients, long-life anticoagulation therapy is not permitted, and left atrial appendage (LAA) closure may be considered. LAA is also a critical substrate for AF. Epicardial LAA occlusion has several advantages: LAA ligation results in a favorable electrical and structural atrial remodeling, which decreases AF recurrence. Endocardial ablation alone is not efficient for all patients, and new evidence shows better outcomes in patients affected by persistent AF after a combined hybrid endo-epicardial ablation. Considering the synergic potential of these techniques, in this case series, they were both combined in a single procedure. We describe the treatment of 5 patients referred for refractory AF ablation and LAA closure. All patients had high thrombotic and previous major hemorrhage, with relative contraindication to life-long therapy with anticoagulation. A combined procedure of LAA ligation and endo-epicardial ablation was scheduled with short-term anticoagulation. LAA closure was performed with an epicardial approach using the LARIAT system. Then, LA mapping and ablation were performed, endocardially and then epicardially.All procedures were concluded without complications.At follow-up, in all patients, transesophageal echocardiography showed the complete occlusion of the LAA; therefore, anticoagulation therapy was interrupted. All patients were asymptomatic, and in the sinus rhythm, no hemorrhage or ischemic events occurred. The combination of percutaneous LAA ligation and endo-epicardial ablation was revealed to be feasible and safe and might represent a new approach for the treatment of refractory AF in patients with indication of LAA occlusion.

Adverse outcomes in anticoagulated patients undergoing percutaneous left atrial appendage ligation.

Adverse outcomes in anticoagulated patients undergoing percutaneous left atrial appendage ligation.

Response to Letter to the Editor "Adverse outcomes in anticoagulated patients undergoing percutaneous left atrial appendage ligation" by Anetta Undas.

Response to Letter to the Editor "Adverse outcomes in anticoagulated patients undergoing percutaneous left atrial appendage ligation" by Anetta Undas.

Risk of thromboembolic events after percutaneous left atrial appendage ligation in patients with atrial fibrillation: Long-term results of a multicenter study

Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion with Lariat has emerged as a viable alternative to oral anticoagulation (OAC) to prevent thromboembolic (TE) events in patients with atrial fibrillation. We evaluated the long-term TE risk in post-Lariat patients. Consecutive patients undergoing LAA ligation with the Lariat device at multiple centers with at least 1-year follow-up were included in the analysis. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed at 4 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months to assess the completeness of LAA occlusion. OAC was discontinued if 4-week TEE revealed no device-related thrombus and complete closure of the appendage. Patients remained on 81 mg of aspirin per day after discontinuation of the blood thinner. A total of 306 patients were included in the study (mean age 68.8 ± 11.0 years; mean CHA2DS2-VASc score 3.6 ± 1.7). Four-week TEE revealed leaks in 81 patients (26.5%); all leaks were less than 5 mm in diameter. At 6-month TEE, spontaneous closure of the leak was demonstrated in 21 patients (25.9%), 26 patients (32%) underwent a successful leak closure procedure, and the remaining 34 (42%) patients were placed on OAC. At the median follow-up period of 15.9 ± 9.2 months, 9 TE events (2.9%) were reported: 7 with persistent leak and 2 without any detectable leaks on 2-dimensional TEE (P < .001). Complete occlusion of the LAA with the Lariat device was associated with the low rate of TE events at long-term follow-up. However, residual leaks were common after Lariat closure and the stroke rate was significantly higher in patients with incomplete occlusion, even with small leaks.

Abstract 18854: Long-term Follow-up After Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Ligation With the Lariat Device

Introduction: The objective of this retrospective multicenter study is to report the initial long-term performance results after percutaneous exclusion of the LAA with the endo-epicardial Lariat device to prevent AF-related thromboembolic events. Methods and results: Patients with successful LAA ligation and at least 1-year follow-up were analyzed (N=355). At 1 year, TEE follow-up was present in 172 patients. A leak was defined as presence of flow into the LAA as assessed by TEE. At 6 months, 19 (11%) patients had a leak; 2 strokes occurred: 1 in a patient without a leak and 1 associated with mesenteric ischemia in a patient without a known acute leak, who died before repeat TEE could be performed. At 12 months, 34 (20%) patients had a leak; 6 patients developed a neurological event (5 strokes and 1 TIA), 4 in patients with a leak, 2 in patients without a leak. 3% were followed-up for more than one 1 year (with a mean of 21±9 months). 1 additional thromboembolic event (TIA) occurred 14 months post-implant in a patient without anticoagulation and with a partially excluded LAA (stump), although no leak or thrombus were detected on standard TEE. Among patients with a leak (36% of those with long-term follow-up), 75% were on long-term anticoagulation and no additional TE events were detected. Out of 355 patients, 9 (2.5%) patients had a neurological event: 4 with a leak, 4 without a leak and 1 in a patient where TEE was not repeated. Considering those with known LAA status, thromboembolic events were more common in patients with a leak (4/34 vs 4/136; RR 4, 95% CI 1.1-15.4). Conclusion: In this multicenter experience with the Lariat device, the rate of leaks was high (20% of those with TEE follow-up at 1 year). Thromboembolic events were not rare (overall, 2.5%), and occurred more frequently in patients with a leak (RR 4).

Early results with the LARIAT device for left atrial appendage exclusion in patients with atrial fibrillation at high risk for stroke and anticoagulation

To evaluate early outcomes of left atrial appendage (LAA) closure via a percutaneous LAA ligation approach with the SentreHeart LARIAT(™) snare device. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke 4-5 fold, which can have devastating outcomes. Exclusion of the LAA is believed to decrease the risk of embolic stroke. Twenty-seven patients with atrial fibrillation, a high risk of stroke, and contraindication or intolerance for anticoagulation therapy underwent percutaneous ligation of the LAA with the LARIAT device. Initial LAA closure was confirmed with TEE and contrast fluoroscopy. The acute procedural success was 92.6%. One patient sustained a perforation of the LAA and was treated conservatively. The patient underwent LAA closure surgically the next day. In one patient the attempt to advance the LARIAT over the LAA was unsuccessful. Patients were followed for a mean of 4 months. Preserved LAA closure was confirmed with a 45 day follow-up TEE in 22 of 25 patients completing the procedure. Peri-operative complications included three cases of pericarditis and one case of a periprocedural CVA due to thrombus formation on the transseptal sheath. During follow-up, there was one stroke thought to be noncardioembolic and one pleural effusion. There were no deaths. These results show that percutaneous LAA exclusion can be achieved successfully with an acceptable rate of periprocedural and short-term complications. Further studies and longer follow-up are needed to determine whether LAA exclusion lowers the long-term risk of thromboembolic events in patients with AF and contraindications to anticoagulation.

Electrolyte and hemodynamic changes following percutaneous left atrial appendage ligation with the LARIAT device.

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a well-known source of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and therefore plays an important role in homeostasis. The neurohormonal impact of epicardial exclusion of the LAA with the LARIAT procedure is unknown. In this proof-of-concept study, we postulated that LAA exclusion would impact homeostasis as evidenced by changes in electrolytes and blood pressure (BP). A total of 76 patients who underwent successful LAA exclusion were enrolled in this retrospective observational study utilizing a prospective registry. Electrolytes, BP, and heart rate (HR) were monitored before LARIAT and post-LARIAT (24 and 72 h and 6 months). There was a significant reduction of systolic BP (mmHg) at 24 h (113.3 ± 16.0; p < 0.0001) and 72 h (119.0 ± 18.4 mmHg; p < 0.0001) post-LARIAT when compared with pre-LARIAT BP (138.2 ± 21.3). The reduction in systolic BP persisted at 6-month follow-up (128.8 ± 17.3; p = 0.0005). There was significant reduction in serum sodium (mmol/L) at 24 h (135.4 ± 3.6; p < 0.0001) and 72 h (136.3 ± 3.7; p < 0.001) post-LARIAT when compared to pre-LARIAT (138.7 ± 3.2). The reduction in sodium was not persistent at 6-month follow-up (138.4 ± 3.3; p = 0.453). LAA exclusion results in an early and persistent decrease in systolic BP. Additionally, there is an early decline in serum sodium, which normalizes at long-term follow-up. The underlying mechanism leading to these changes is not entirely clear; however, it is likely related to neurohormonal changes post LAA exclusion.

Sequential Percutaneous LAA Ligation and Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Patients with Persistent AF: Initial Results of a Feasibility Study.

Left atrial appendage (LAA) ligation results in LAA electrical isolation and a decrease in atrial fibrillation (AF) burden. This study assessed the feasibility of combined percutaneous LAA ligation and pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with persistent AF. A total of 22 patients with persistent AF underwent LAA ligation with the LARIAT device followed by PVI. PVI was confirmed with the demonstration of both entrance and exit block. Patients (n = 10) in sinus rhythm pre- and post-LAA ligation underwent P-wave analysis. Monitoring for AF was performed at 1, 3, and 6 months postablation. LAA ligation was successful in 21 of 22 (95%) patients. The procedure was aborted in one patient due to pericardial adhesions. PVI was performed in 20 of 21 patients. One patient converted to atrial flutter with a controlled ventricular response after LAA ligation and refused subsequent PVI. Demonstration of entrance and exit block was achieved in 19 of 20 patients. At 3 months, 13 of 19 (68.4%) patients were in sinus rhythm. Four patients underwent a second PVI. At 6 months, 15 of 20 (75%) patients were in sinus rhythm. There was a significant decrease in P-wave duration and P-wave dispersion after LAA ligation. Complications with LAA ligation included pericarditis, a delayed pleural effusion, and a late pericardial effusion. Staged LAA ligation and PVI is feasible and decreases P-wave dispersion. Randomized studies are needed to assess the efficacy of LAA ligation as adjunctive therapy to PVI for maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with persistent AF.

Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Ligation for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation.

Prevention of thromboembolic complications in atrial fibrillation remains a tremendous clinical challenge. Knowledge that the left atrial appendage (LAA) is the most common anatomical origin of cardioembolic strokes1 has been the main motivation to develop clinical and procedural strategies to exclude the LAA from the circulation, either surgically or percutaneously. This review discusses the rationale behind these strategies, their relative merits, and future prospects for LAA exclusion strategies.

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.

Retrospective Evaluation Of Novel Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Ligation Using The LARIAT Suturing Device: Single Center Initial Experience.

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is the source of considerable thromboemboli responsible for embolic strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The LARIAT™ suturing device has been used to ligate the LAA and negate the use of systemic anticoagulation. However, its efficacy and stroke outcome is still unknown. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical status and risk of occurrence of systemic emobolic events, strokes, transient ischemic attacks, and procedure related complications in patients after LAA ligation using the LARIAT™ device. Permanent suture was successfully delivered in 21 patients. Mean follow up time was 17.2+-3.3 months. The average HAS-BLED score was 3.3+/-1.1. Only 1 patient developed clinical symptoms of stroke 7 days post procedure. One patient had uncomplicated perioperative bleeding not requiring blood transfusion. One patient developed transient ECG changes of ischemia during mapping for ablation following the LAA ligation and subsequently, underwent bypass surgery. Three patient developed post-procedural pericarditis and were medically managed. Three patients died from non-LAA ligation related conditions including congestive heart failure, lung cancer, and severe coronary disease. We observed a 32% and 30% reduction in the annual risk of stroke when compared to the expected risk of stroke based on the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc score respectively. LAA ligation using the LARIAT™ suturing device is clinically feasible in carefully selected patients. This study has the longest follow up period to date, however further studies are required to determine the efficacy of stroke reduction and long-term clinical outcomes.

Atrial Fibrillation Through the Years

Information about a real patient is presented in stages (boldface type) to an expert clinician (Dr Valentin Fuster), who responds to the information, sharing his reasoning with the reader (regular type). A discussion by the authors follows. A 61-year-old man presents with 2 weeks of exertional dyspnea. Pertinent medical history includes hypertension, nephrolithiasis, and internal hemorrhoids. He takes no medications and has no known drug allergies. His father died after a myocardial infarction at 57 years of age. He formerly smoked 1 pack of cigarettes daily for 15 years but ceased tobacco use 10 years before presentation. He ingests 2 glasses of alcohol weekly and denies illicit drug use. His caffeine intake is limited. He is an architect and is married, with healthy children. On physical examination, his temperature is 98.0°F, blood pressure is 130/85 mm Hg bilaterally, pulse is irregular at 130 beats per minute, and respiratory rate is 18 breaths per minute with an oxygen saturation of 97% while breathing room air. He is a slender white man in no distress. His jugular venous pressure is elevated at 14 cm H 2 O. There is no thyromegaly, and the carotid upstrokes are brisk, without bruits. Cardiovascular examination reveals a rapid and irregular heart rhythm with variation in the intensity of the first heart sound. The point of maximal impulse is not displaced. The remainder of the chest and abdominal examination is within normal limits. The extremities are warm and show mild pitting edema. Laboratory testing is significant for normal renal function and electrolytes, but a hemogram reveals a mild thrombocytopenia of 90 000 platelets/μL. ECG demonstrates atrial fibrillation (AF) with an average ventricular rate of 123 bpm ( Figure 1 ). Figure 1. The 12-lead ECG showing atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular rate. Dr Valentin Fuster : This is a …

Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Suture Ligation Using the LARIAT Device in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Initial Clinical Experience

The purpose of the study was to determine the efficacy and safety of left atrial appendage (LAA) closure via a percutaneous LAA ligation approach. Embolic stroke is the most devastating consequence of atrial fibrillation. Exclusion of the LAA is believed to decrease the risk of embolic stroke. Eighty-nine patients with atrial fibrillation were enrolled to undergo percutaneous ligation of the LAA with the LARIAT device. The catheter-based LARIAT device consists of a snare with a pre-tied suture that is guided epicardially over the LAA. LAA closure was confirmed with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and contrast fluoroscopy immediately, then with TEE at 1 day, 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year post-LAA ligation. Eighty-five (96%) of 89 patients underwent successful LAA ligation. Eighty-one of 85 patients had complete closure immediately. Three of 85 patients had a ≤ 2-mm residual LAA leak by TEE color Doppler evaluation. One of 85 patients had a ≤ 3-mm jet by TEE. There were no complications due to the device. There were 3 access-related complications (during pericardial access, n = 2; and transseptal catheterization, n = 1). Adverse events included severe pericarditis post-operatively (n = 2), late pericardial effusion (n = 1), unexplained sudden death (n = 2), and late strokes thought to be non-embolic (n = 2). At 1 month (81 of 85) and 3 months (77 of 81) post-ligation, 95% of the patients had complete LAA closure by TEE. Of the patients undergoing 1-year TEE (n = 65), there was 98% complete LAA closure, including the patients with previous leaks. LAA closure with the LARIAT device can be performed effectively with acceptably low access complications and periprocedural adverse events in this observational study.