Project description:An 86-year-old woman experienced hypoxia with right-to-left flow across an iatrogenic atrial septal defect after deployment of a left atrial appendage closure device. Emergent closure of the defect was performed with an atrial septal occluder device with resolution of hypoxia. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).
Project description:A 77-year-old patient with previous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure suffered from transient ischemic attack 6 years after the initial procedure. Computed tomography (CT) revealed appendage patency related to a late-acquired semicircular peri-device leak. The leak was treated by percutaneous LAA coiling. Subsequent clinical evolution was uneventful. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).
Project description:BackgroundA longer left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV) stump may increase the risk for postoperative cerebral infarction. Although the residual stump is generally longer after left upper lobectomy (LUL) than for other lobectomies, the length of the LSPV stump after LUL may be influenced by the anatomical relationship between the left atrial appendage (LAA) and the LSPV. Our aim in this study was to investigate the influence of this anatomical relationship on the residual length of the LSPV stump after LUL.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of 85 patients who underwent LUL at our institution, between January 2014 and March 2018. Based on pre-operative computed tomography (CT) images, the anatomical relationship between the LSPV and the LAA was classified into two patterns, namely an antero-superior and a postero-inferior pattern. The length of the LSPV stump for these two patterns was evaluated on postoperative CT images and compared between the two groups.ResultsOf the 85 patients, 49 were classified in the antero-superior pattern and 36 in the postero-inferior pattern. The mean length of the LSPV stump after LUL, overall, was 21.9 (range, 15-38) mm, with the stump being significantly longer for the antero-posterior (24.2 mm) than postero-inferior (18.9 mm) pattern.ConclusionsThe anatomical relationship between the LSPV and LAA, identified on pre-operative CT images, was associated with the length of the LSPV stump after LUL.
Project description:Prevention of stroke represents a goal of primary importance in health systems due to its associated morbidity and mortality. As several patient groups with increased stroke rates have been identified, multiple approaches have been developed and implemented: oral anticoagulation (OAC) for patients with atrial fibrillation, surgical and percutaneous revascularisation in patients with carotid disease, device closure for patients with patent foramen ovale, and now, left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for selected patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). The latter group of patients are the focus of this review which evaluates the pathophysiology, selection of patients, procedural performance, outcomes of treatment both during and post-procedure, adjunctive therapy, complications, and longer-term outcomes.
Project description:BackgroundPericardial effusion is a common complication of percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure. Acute management is the cornerstone of pericardial effusion treatment and interrupting the intervention is often required.Case summaryA 65-year-old man presented an acute 10 mm pericardial effusion following pigtail contrast appendage injection. A rapid Watchman Flex 24 mm (Boston Scientific) deployment permitted bleeding interruption. A needle pericardiocentesis was achieved in order to prevent any haemodynamical instability.DiscussionThis case report describes an atypical cause of pericardial effusion and a technique for bleeding control with LAA closure device deployment.
Project description:BackgroundAlthough peri-device leakage is frequently observed after left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), there is no consensus on the optimal management strategy. It is unknown whether additional plugging should be preferred over surgical exclusion of the LAA, as experience with additional plugging is limited.Case summaryIn this case report, we demonstrate the clinical implications of additional plugging and surgical exclusion in a 65-year-old male patient with peri-device leakage and recurrent thromboembolic events. After the recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) and a transient ischaemic attack despite adequate anticoagulation, the patient was opted for re-do pulmonary vein isolation and LAAO with a Watchman device. Due to multiple ischaemic strokes and recurrent AF in combination with significant peri-device leakage, additional plugging with a second device was performed. Post-procedurally, the patient had another ischaemic stroke and persisting peri-device leakage was observed during follow-up. Due to progressive symptoms of AF and patient's preference to discontinue DOAC, he underwent a Cox MAZE IV procedure, including amputation of the LAA with both devices. Within six months after surgery, the patient experienced two more ischaemic events. In the following two years, the patient remained free of any cerebrovascular accidents or recurrence of AF.DiscussionAdditional plugging of peri-device leakage is not always successful in stroke prevention. In combination with recurrent AF, progressive symptoms, contraindication for oral anticoagulation, and patient's preference, surgical LAA exclusion could be preferred over additional plugging.