Impact of Preprocedure Imaging for Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: Insights From the NCDR LAAO Registry

Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure: Supporting Evidence, Limitations and Future Directions

Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) has emerged as a promising intervention for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation who are contraindicated for long-term anticoagulation therapy. Despite its growing adoption, a comprehensive review of the LAAO procedure is essential to consolidate the supporting evidence, identify limitations, and outline future directions. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LAAO, drawing on clinical trials and real-world studies to provide a balanced perspective. Additionally, we address the limitations of current research, including variability in patient selection, procedural techniques, and follow-up protocols. By highlighting gaps in the knowledge and areas for improvement, this review aims to guide future research efforts to optimize and expand the therapeutic potential of LAAO.

Intracardiac vs transesophageal echocardiography for left atrial appendage occlusion: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Multiple studies continue to evaluate the use of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for guiding left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO).

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to conduct an updated meta-analysis comparing the effectiveness and safety outcomes of both imaging modalities.

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase were searched for studies comparing ICE vs TEE to guide LAAO. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random-effects model. The primary effectiveness endpoint was procedural success. The primary safety endpoint included the overall complications rate. Additional safety outcomes were assessed as secondary endpoints. Subgroup analysis of primary endpoints was conducted according to device type (Amulet, LAmbre, Watchman, Watchman FLX) and study region (American, Asia, Europe). R Version 4.3.1 was used for all statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Our meta-analysis included 19 observational studies encompassing 42,474 patients, of whom 4415 (10.4%) underwent ICE-guided LAAO. Compared with TEE, ICE was associated with a marginally higher procedural success (OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.01-1.76; P = .04; I2 = 0%). There was no significant difference in the overall complications rate (OR 1.02; 95% CI 0.77-1.36; P = .89; I2 = 5%). However, ICE showed higher rates of pericardial effusion (OR 2.11; 95% CI 1.47-3.03; P <.001; I2 = 0%) and residual iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD) (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.15-2.03; P <.004; I2 = 0%). Subgroup analysis revealed variations in procedural success within the ICE group across study regions (P = .02).

CONCLUSION

In this updated meta-analysis, the increasing adoption of ICE-guided LAAO demonstrated higher procedural success rates compared to TEE, although with limited statistical significance. Overall complication rates were similar; however, ICE showed higher rates of pericardial effusion and residual iASD.

Enhanced Endothelialization Using Resveratrol-Loaded Polylactic Acid-Coated Left Atrial Appendage Occluders in a Canine Model

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a well-established alternative to anticoagulation therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation who have a high bleeding risk. After occluder implantation, anticoagulation therapy is still required for at least 45 days until complete LAAO is achieved by neoendocardial coverage of the device. We applied a polylactic acid-resveratrol coating to the LAAO membrane to enhance endothelialization with the goal of shortening the anticoagulation therapy duration. Eighteen dogs were randomly divided into the experimental group (coated occluders) or the control group (noncoated occluders). The dogs were sacrificed in cohorts at days 14, 28, and 90 for anatomical and pathological examination to evaluate endothelialization and thrombus formation. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed before sacrifice to evaluate device-related adverse events. According to the anatomical and pathological examinations, all except one LAAO cover exhibited larger or thicker tissue or neoendocardial coverage in the experimental group compared with the control group at the same sacrifice time points. All connection hubs were densely covered by endothelial cells at 90 days and completely covered at 28 days in the experimental group, while all connection hubs were thinly covered at 90 days and two connection hubs were exposed at 28 days in the control group. Pathological examination revealed no thrombus formation in the experimental group, while a small amount of thrombus was observed in one dog at 90 days and in two dogs at 28 days in the control group. Finally, TEE showed no peri-device leakage (PDL) in the experimental group, whereas a small amount of PDL was detected in one dog (3.2 mm) at 28 days and in one dog (3.7 mm) at 14 days in the control group. The resveratrol-loaded polylactic acid-covered LAAO device enhanced endothelialization and reduced thrombus formation and PDL. This effect could possibly reduce the anticoagulation therapy duration.

Combined left atrial appendage occlusion and catheter ablation procedure for left atrial arrhythmias: A real-world, propensity-matched analysis

INTRODUCTION

Real-world studies comparing safety and efficacy of combined percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) and catheter ablation (CA) to LAAO alone are limited.

METHODS

Patients from a large US hospital system undergoing combined LAAO and left-atrial CA from 8/2020 to 2/2024 were retrospectively analyzed and compared to a control group undergoing LAAO alone. Controls were identified using a 1:2 propensity score match based on LAAO device type (Watchman FLX vs. Amulet), CHA2D2-VASc and Hypertension, Abnormal renal/liver function, Stroke, Bleeding history or predisposition, Labile international normalized ratio [INR], Elderly, Drugs/alcohol (HAS-BLED) scores and compared for safety, sealing performance and clinical outcomes at 6 months.

RESULTS

Patients were younger in the combined (n = 72) than in the control group (n = 144, 70.2 ± 7.3 vs. 76.7 ± 6.9 years, p < 0.001) but otherwise comparable with a mean CHA2D2-VASc score of 4.2 ± 1.1 and 4.4 ± 1.2 (p = 0.26) and HAS-BLED score of 2.2 ± 0.8 and 2.3 ± 0.7 (p = 0.34). Successful LAAO implantation rates were the same (95.8% vs. 95.8%, p = 0.99) with longer procedure times seen in the combined group (156.5 ± 53 vs. 56 ± 26 min, p < 0.001). Both major (1.4% vs. 2.1%, p = 0.72) and minor (27.8% vs. 19.4%, p = 0.17) in-hospital complications were similar between the combined and control group, respectively. At 45 days, presence of peri-device leak (18.3% vs. 30.4%, p = 0.07) and device related thrombosis (4.5% vs. 4.5%, p = 0.96) on transesophageal echocardiogram did not differ. Finally, all-cause mortality (0% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.99), thromboembolic (0% vs. 0%, p = 0.99) and bleeding (6.1% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.73) events during follow-up were comparable.

CONCLUSION

This large, real-world analysis indicates comparable safety and efficiency of combined LAAO and CA when compared with LAAO alone.

Pulmonary Artery Injury Following Endocardial Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: The Known and Unknown

BACKGROUND

Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is frequent alternative for stroke prophylaxis in patients for whom oral anticoagulation is contraindicated. Pulmonary artery injury (PAI) is a feared yet rare complication of endocardial LAAC, but its surrounding literature is scarce.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the current study was to review prior PAI published reports and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database to understand evidence and mechanisms of PAI after LAAC.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted of the literature and MAUDE database for previously reported cases of PAI, and cases were reviewed for patient characteristics and outcomes. In addition, we identify risks and review our strategies to avoid this injury.

RESULTS

Thirty-six cases (16 case reports and 20 MAUDE reports) of PAI were found. These patients had a mean age of 73.6 ± 8.2 years with a median CHA2DS2VASC score of 5 (Q1-Q3: 3-6). Most commonly, LAAC associated with PAI involved a dual-seal (75%) followed by lobular occlusive devices (19.4%); the device was unspecified in 2.8% of cases. PAI commonly presented postprocedurally, either within the first 24 hours (50%) or beyond (38.9%), with cardiac tamponade (61.1%) or cardiac arrest (19.4%). Overall, 52.8% required surgery with or without antecedent pericardiocentesis, and 16.7% were managed with pericardiocentesis. PAI was associated with a high mortality rate (ie, 33.3%). Unfortunately, no specific cardiac imaging or procedural details to predict PAI were noted in the reports.

CONCLUSIONS

Presentation of PAI after LAAC can occur immediately following the procedure or be delayed. Thus, the threshold for suspicion, especially with rapid and hemodynamically significant pericardial effusion, after LAAC should be low.

Transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion in patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a risk factor for embolic stroke, and many nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients have concomitant CKD. Anticoagulation therapy can be challenging in CKD due to increased bleeding risk, and left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) may be a promising alternative.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed to consolidate current evidence on the safety and effectiveness of transcatheter LAAO in patients with CKD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

METHODS

Medline, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched from inception to September 2, 2022. We conducted a meta-analysis if an outcome was evaluated in at least two similar studies.

RESULTS

We included 15 studies with 77,780 total patients. Of the 15 studies, 11 had a cohort design (five prospective and six retrospective), and four were case series. Patients with CKD were older and had a higher prevalence of comorbidities than non-CKD patients. The two groups did not differ in procedural failure rate, vascular complications, or pericardial tamponade. CKD patients exhibited higher odds of in-hospital acute kidney injury (AKI) and bleeding, longer-term bleeding, and mortality than those without CKD. The risk of in-hospital and longer-term cardioembolic events was similar between CKD and non-CKD populations (odds ratio = 1.01 [95% CI 0.70-1.15] and 1.05 [95% CI 0.55-2.00], respectively). Patients with ESRD had higher odds of in-hospital mortality and cardioembolic events than non-ESRD patients, with no differences in risk of pericardial tamponade.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on observational studies, LAAO may be an effective option to prevent cardioembolic events in CKD. However, CKD patients may have higher odds of AKI and in-hospital and long-term bleeding and mortality. The adverse clinical outcomes observed in CKD patients may be attributed to this population's high burden of comorbidities, especially among those with ERSD, rather than the LAAO procedure itself. To ensure maximum clinical benefit, careful patient selection, management, and surveillance involving multidisciplinary teams are essential for CKD patients undergoing LAAO.

Single-Operator Left atrial appendage Occlusion utilizing Conscious sedation TEE, Lack of Outpatient pre-imaging, and Same-day Expedited discharge (SOLO-CLOSE): A comparison with conventional approach

BACKGROUND

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with WATCHMAN currently requires preprocedural imaging, general anesthesia, and inpatient overnight admission. We sought to facilitate simplification of LAAO.

AIMS

We describe and compare SOLO-CLOSE (single-operator LAA occlusion utilizing conscious sedation TEE, lack of outpatient pre-imaging, and same-day expedited discharge) with the conventional approach (CA).

METHODS

A single-center retrospective analysis of 163 patients undergoing LAAO between January 2017 and April 2022 was conducted. The SOLO-CLOSE protocol was enacted on December 1, 2020. Before this date, we utilized the CA. The primary efficacy endpoint was defined as successful LAAO with ≤5 mm peri-device leak at time of closure. The primary safety endpoint was the composite incidence of all-cause deaths, any cerebrovascular accident (CVA), device embolization, pericardial effusion, or major postprocedure bleeding within 7 days of the index procedure. Procedure times, 7-day readmission rates, and cost analytics were collected as well.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar in both cohorts. Congestive heart failure (37.5% vs. 11.1%) and malignancy (28.8% vs. 12.5%) were higher in SOLO-CLOSE. Median CHA2D2SVASc score was 5 in both cohorts. The primary efficacy endpoint was met 100% in both cohorts. Primary safety endpoint was similar between cohorts (p = 0.078). Mean procedure time was 30 min shorter in SOLO-CLOSE (p < 0.01). Seven-day readmissions for SOLO-CLOSE was zero. After SOLO-CLOSE implementation, there was a 188% increase in positive contribution margin per case.

CONCLUSIONS

The SOLO-CLOSE methodology offers similar efficacy and safety when compared to the CA, while improving clinical efficiency, reducing procedural times, and increasing economic benefit.

Risk factors, clinical implications, and management of peridevice leak following left atrial appendage closure: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is a treatment modality for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). One of the potential complications of LAAC is a peri-device leak (PDL), which could potentially increase the risk of thromboembolism formation.

METHODS

This systematic review was done according to PRISMA guidelines. Using four databases, all primary studies through April 2022 that met selection criteria were included. Outcomes of interest were studies reporting on PDL characteristics, risk factors and management.

RESULTS

A total of 116 studies met selection criteria (97 original studies and 19 case reports/series). In the original studies (n = 30,133 patients), the weighted mean age was 72.0 ± 7.4 years (57% females) with a HAS-BLED and CHA2DS2-VASc weighted means of 2.8 ± 1.1 and 3.8 ± 1.3, respectively. The most common definition of PDL was based on size; 5 mm: major, 3-5 mm: moderate, < 1 mm minor, or trivial. Follow up time for PDL detection was 7.15 ± 9.0 months. 33% had PDL, irrespective of PDL severity/size, and only 0.9% had PDL of greater than 5 mm. The main risk factors for PDL development included lower degree of over-sizing, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, device/LAA shape mismatch, previous radiofrequency ablation, and male sex. The most common methods to screen for PDL included transesophageal echocardiogram and cardiac CT. PDL Management approaches include Amplatzer Patent Foramen Ovale occluder, Hookless ACP, Amplatzer vascular plug II, embolic coils, and detachable vascular coils; removal or replacement of the device; and left atriotomy.

CONCLUSION

Following LAAC, the emergence of a PDL is a significant complication to be aware of. Current evidence suggests possible risk factors that are worth assessing in-depth. Additional research is required to assess suitable candidates, timing, and strategies to managing patients with PDL.

Incidence, progression, and predictors of left atrial appendage sealing after Watchman FLX device implantation with computed tomographic assessment

BACKGROUND

Limited data exists regarding incidence, progression, and predictors of left atrial appendage (LAA) sealing after transcatheter LAA closure. We aimed to evaluate the incidence, progression, and predictive factors associated with LAA sealing after LAA closure.

METHODS

This study includes patients who underwent successful LAA closure with Watchman FLX device and had both pre- and postprocedural computed tomography (CT). Postprocedural CT was performed 45 days after LAA closure and used to evaluate residual LAA patency. Patient who had residual LAA patency at 45 days underwent 1-year follow-up CT.

RESULTS

A total of 105 patients (mean age: 75.2 ± 9.6 years; 53.3% female) who underwent successful LAA closure with Watchman FLX device and had pre- and postprocedural CT at 45 days were included. Residual patency was observed in 35 (33.3%) patients: 21 (20.0%) patients showed complete contrast opacification in LAA (complete LAA patency) while 14 (13.3%) patients showed contrast opacification only in the distal LAA (distal LAA patency). Among patients with residual LAA patency at 45 days, the rate of LAA sealing at 1 year was significantly higher in the distal LAA patency group than in the complete LAA patency group (75.0% vs. 16.7%; p = 0.019). Increased depth oversizing was associated with both distal LAA patency and complete LAA patency.

CONCLUSION

Postprocedural CT at 45 days detected patent LAA in one-third of patients after LAA closure. LAA sealing was more frequently observed at 1 year among the distal LAA patency group than the complete LAA patency group.

Concomitant Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and is associated with increased risk of bleeding and stroke. While left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is approved as an alternative to anticoagulants for stroke prevention in patients with AF, placement of these devices in patients with severe aortic stenosis, or when performed at the same time as TAVR, has not been extensively studied.

METHODS

WATCH-TAVR (WATCHMAN for Patients with AF Undergoing TAVR) was a multicenter, randomized trial evaluating the safety and effectiveness of concomitant TAVR and LAAO with WATCHMAN in AF patients. Patients were randomized 1:1 to TAVR + LAAO or TAVR + medical therapy. WATCHMAN patients received anticoagulation for 45 days followed by dual antiplatelet therapy until 6 months. Anticoagulation was per treating physician preference for patients randomized to TAVR + medical therapy. The primary noninferiority end point was all-cause mortality, stroke, and major bleeding at 2 years between the 2 strategies.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 349 patients (177 TAVR + LAAO and 172 TAVR + medical therapy) between December 2017 and November 2020 at 34 US centers. The mean age of patients was 81 years, and the mean scores for CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED (Hypertension, Abnormal renal/liver function, Stroke, Bleeding history or predisposition, Labile INR, Elderly, Drugs/alcohol concomitantly) were 4.9 and 3.0, respectively. At baseline, 85.4% of patients were taking anticoagulants and 71.3% patients were on antiplatelet therapy. The cohorts were well-balanced for baseline characteristics. The incremental LAAO procedure time was 38 minutes, and the median contrast volume used for combined procedures was 119 mL versus 70 mL with TAVR alone. At the 24-month follow-up, 82.5% compared with 50.8% of patients were on any antiplatelet therapy, and 13.9% compared with 66.7% of patients were on any anticoagulation therapy in TAVR + LAAO compared with TAVR + medical therapy group, respectively. For the composite primary end point, TAVR + LAAO was noninferior to TAVR + medical therapy (22.7 versus 27.3 events per 100 patient-years for TAVR + LAAO and TAVR + medical therapy, respectively; hazard ratio, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.60-1.22]; Pnoninferiority<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant WATCHMAN LAAO and TAVR is noninferior to TAVR with medical therapy in severe aortic stenosis patients with AF. The increased complexity and risks of the combined procedure should be considered when concomitant LAAO is viewed as an alternative to medical therapy for patients with AF undergoing TAVR.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03173534.

Incidence, impact and predictors of residual device patency after left atrial appendage closure with the LACbes device

BACKGROUND

The residual device patency (RDP) after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) with the LACbes device has not been specifically explored in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. This study aims to explore the incidence, impact and predictors of RDP detected by cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) post LAAC.

METHODS

AF patients implanted with the LACbes device were prospectively enrolled. CCTA device surveillance was performed at 3 months post-procedure. Major adverse events (MAEs), including stroke/transient ischemic attack, major bleeding and all-cause death, were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among 141 patients with CCTA surveillance, 56 (39.7%) showed no visible leak and 85 (60.3%) showed RDP. During the median follow-up of 443 [232, 706] days, the presence of RDP was not associated with an increased risk of MAEs (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 4.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.49-34.24, p = 0.196), while peri-device leak (PDL) at the lobe was associated with heightened risks of MAEs (adjusted HR: 6.85, 95% CI: 1.62-28.89, p = 0.009). In patients with PDL at the lobe, antiplatelet after 6 months (HR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.05-0.91, p = 0.038) was independent protective predictor of MAEs. Besides, current smoking (odds ratio [OR]: 7.52, 95% CI: 2.68-21.08, p < 0.001) and maximum diameter of LAA orifice (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.00-1.34, p = 0.048) were independent predictors of PDL at the lobe.

CONCLUSIONS

Presence of PDL at the device lobe detected by CCTA at 3-month post LAAC with LACbes is associated with unfavorable prognosis in AF patients.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03788941.

Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion and Post-procedural Antithrombotic Management

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is an established alternative to oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. Antithrombotic therapy is used in the post-procedural period to prevent device-related thrombosis (DRT). The risk of DRT is considered highest in the first 45-90 days after device implantation, based on animal studies of the device healing process. Clinically applied antithrombotic regimens vary greatly across studies, continents, and centers. This article gives an overview of the evidence behind current antithrombotic regimens, ongoing randomized trials, and future post-procedural management.

Device-Related Thrombus After Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: Clinical Impact, Predictors, Classification, and Management

Despite the unprecedented advances in the left atrial appendage occlusion field, device-related thrombus (DRT) remains an unresolved issue with the therapy. This paper aims to provide a state-of-the-art review of the literature on the incidence, clinical impact, predictors and management of DRT and propose a novel classification of DRT and hypoattenuated thickening.