- Unique and timely examination of left atrial appendage closure technique and devices
- Explores the use of left atrial appendage closure in the reduction of thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation
- Discusses current percutaneous approaches and devices available for left atrial appendage closure
Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is an emerging technology for thromboembolic prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).The first human implantation of an LAA device occurred in 2001, and since then four devices have received CE mark approval. These devices are being widely used in Europe for LAA closure in patients who are poor candidates for long-term oral anticoagulation. In the US, the WATCHMAN device (Boston Scientific) is anticipated to receive FDA approval imminently for AF patients who are warfarin-eligible. This approval is projected to significantly expand the indications for LAA closures worldwide. Thus, the volume of procedures is anticipated to escalate.
This book discusses the epidemiology of AF as a cause of stroke; the use of LAA closure in the reduction of thromboembolism with AF; early surgical approaches and novel surgical devices for LAA closure; and current percutaneous approaches and devices available for LAA closure. The emphasis of this book is on percutaneous technical approaches and contemporary trial results on the leading devices (PLAATO, WATCHMAN, Amplatzer Cardiac Plug, and LARIAT). It also reviews unapproved devices in development, in both clinical and pre-clinical phases.
Table of Contents
Part I: Rationale for Left Atrial Appendage Closure
- Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Epidemiology
- Efficacy and Limitations of Warfarin and Novel Oral Anticoagulants with Atrial Fibrillation
Part II: Surgical Approaches for Left Atrial Appendage Closure
- Conventional Surgery for Left Atrial Appendage Closure
- Novel Surgical Devices for LAA Closure
Part III: Imaging for Left Atrial Appendage Closure
- Use of Echocardiography to Guide Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure
- Use of Cardiac CTA to Guide Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure
Part IV: Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices and Trial Results
- PLAATO Device
- WATCHMAN Device
- WATCHMAN: Trials and Registries Results
- Amplatzer Cardiac Plug and Amulet
- Amplatzer Cardiac Plug and Amulet: Trials and Registries Results
- LARIAT
- Other Novel Devices in Clinical or Pre-clinical Trials
