Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion in Patients With Thrombus in Left Atrial Appendage


Sahiner L., Coteli C., KAYA E. B., Ates A., Kilic G. S., YORGUN H., ...More

JOURNAL OF INVASIVE CARDIOLOGY, vol.32, no.6, pp.222-227, 2020 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 32 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2020
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF INVASIVE CARDIOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Page Numbers: pp.222-227
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background. Atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion is a therapeutic option for thromboembolic prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients who have contraindications to oral anticoagulation (OAC) or high risk of bleeding. Traditionally, thrombus in the LAA has been considered a contraindication for LAA occlusion. Recently, resistant thrombus formation in patients using OACs was suggested as an indication for LAA occlusion. Methods and Results. In this single-center study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of LAA occlusion in patients with a thrombus in the LAA. Twelve non-valvular AF patients who had a thrombus in the LAA were enrolled. The mean age was 71.8 years (range, 62-83 years). Permanent AF was present in all patients. Mean CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score was 4.9 (range, 2-8) and mean HAS-BLED score was 4.8 (range, 3-6). Thrombi in the LAA were classified as type 1 (proximal to mid) and type 2 (distal) in 3 and 9 patients, respectively. Median follow-up duration was 12 months (interquartile range, 6-24 months). LAA occlusion was performed successfully with Amplatzer Amulet device without any significant periprocedural adverse events in all 12 patients. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed at 1 and 6 months post procedure. Cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, significant ischemic cerebrovascular events, worsening heart failure, and major bleeding events did not occur during follow-up. Device-related thrombus was not observed with TEE in any patient. Conclusion. Our study showed that percutaneous LAA closure could be a therapeutic option for patients with resistant LAA thrombus.