Case report. Thrombus formation on left atrial appendage clip: surgical exclusion and anticoagulation do not obviate transesophageal echocardiography prior to cardioversion.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The cornerstone treatment for atrial fibrillation (Afib) is based on the prevention of cardioembolism with the use oral anticoagulants, which inherently increase the risk of bleeding. An alternative for these patients corresponds to left atrial appendage (LAA) exclusion/closure techniques such as Atriclip.

Cases summary

Patient 1: Seventy-two-year-old female who presented with decompensated heart failure, non ST elevation myocardial infarct, and paroxysmal Afib. She underwent coronary artery bypass graft, MAZE procedure, mitral valve repair, and Atriclip (40 mm). Recurrence of Afib postoperatively led to a precardioversion transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) which demonstrated a LAA pouch thrombus. Patient 2: Sixty-seven-year-old male

SUBMITTER: Lo Presti S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9206415 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature