Inter-atrial septal balloon dilation to facilitate intracardiac echocardiography guided left atrial appendage occlusion.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is traditionally performed under general anesthesia with trans-esophageal echocardiography guidance. Intracardiac echo (ICE)-guided LAAO closure is increasing in clinical use. The ICE catheter is crossed into LA via interatrial septum (IAS) after the septum is dilated with LAAO delivery sheath. This step can be time-consuming and requires significant ICE catheter manipulation, which increases the risk of cardiac perforation. Pre-emptive septal balloon dilation can potentially help with ICE advancement in the LA. We sought to evaluate the effect of pre-dilation of the IAS with an 8 mm balloon on the ease of crossing the ICE catheter, fluoroscopy time for crossing, and overall procedure time. METHODS: The Piedmont LAAO registry was used to identify consecutive patients who underwent LAAO. The initial 25 patients in whom balloon dilation of the IAS was performed served as the experimental cohort, and the 25 consecutive patients before that in whom balloon dilation was not performed served as controls. In the experimental group, after a trans-septal puncture, the sheath was retracted to the right atrium with a guidewire still in the LA. An 8 × 40 mm Evercoss™ over the wire balloon was inflated across the IAS. The ICE catheter was then crossed into the LA using the fluoroscopic landmark of the guide wire and the ICE imaging. The sheath was then advanced along the ICE catheter via the transseptal puncture (TSP) and the procedure continued. Follow-up compputed tomography imaging was obtained at 4-8 weeks. RESULTS: Each group consisted of 25 patients. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics. All procedures were performed successfully under conscious sedation and ICE guidance. There was a significant reduction in the overall procedure time, fluoroscopy time, and time for transseptal puncture to ICE in LA. There was no difference in the size of the acute residual interatrial shunt, as measured via ICE, or the size and presence of iatrogenic ASD at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Balloon dilation of TSP is safe and is associated with increased efficiency in ICE-guided LAAO procedures.

Left atrial appendage occlusion and patent foramen ovale closure using a steerable sheath and intracardiac echocardiography.

A patient presenting with acute ischemic stroke associated with patent foramen ovale (PFO) had concurrent deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and new-onset atrial fibrillation. Upon initiation of anticoagulation therapy, the patient developed hemorrhagic transformation of the stroke. The patient's multiple potential sources of embolic stroke were treated with concomitant left atrial appendage occlusion and PFO closure through the PFO, made possible by using the Steerable Amulet Sheath under 3D-intracardiac echocardiography guidance.

In-hospital safety outcomes of left atrial appendage occlusion in octogenarians and nonagenarians.

AIMS: Data on safety outcomes of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in elderly patients are limited. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of LAAO between octogenarians (age 80-89) and nonagenarians (age ≥90) vs. younger patients (age ≤79). METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Inpatient Sample database to identify patients hospitalized for LAAO from 2016 to 2020 and to compare in-hospital safety outcomes in octogenarians and nonagenarians vs. younger patients. The primary outcome was a composite of in-hospital all-cause mortality or stroke. Secondary outcomes included procedural complications, length of stay (LOS), and total costs. Outcomes were determined using logistic regression models. Among 84 140 patients hospitalized for LAAO, 32.9% were octogenarians, 2.8% were nonagenarians, and 64.3% were ≤79 years of age. Over the study period, the volume of LAAO increased in all age groups (all Ptrend < 0.01). After adjustment for clinical and demographic factors, octogenarians and nonagenarians had similar odds of in-hospital all-cause mortality or stroke [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93-2.13 for octogenarians; aOR 1.69, 95% CI 0.67-3.92 for nonagenarians], cardiac tamponade, acute kidney injury, major bleeding, and blood transfusion, in addition to similar LOS and total costs compared with younger patients (all P > 0.05). However, octogenarians and nonagenarians had higher odds of vascular complications compared with younger patients (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.08-1.99 for octogenarians; aOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.18-2.97 for nonagenarians). CONCLUSION: Octogenarians and nonagenarians undergoing LAAO have a similar safety profile compared with clinically similar younger patients except for higher odds of vascular complications.

Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion and risk of stroke, hospitalized bleeding and death in Medicare beneficiaries.

PURPOSE: Among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), a nonpharmacologic option (e.g., percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion [LAAO]) is needed for patients with oral anticoagulant (OAC) contraindications. Among beneficiaries in the Medicare fee-for-service coverage 20% sample databases (2015-18) who had AF and an elevated CHA2DS2-VASc score, we assessed the association between percutaneous LAAO versus OAC use and risk of stroke, hospitalized bleeding, and death. METHODS: Patients undergoing percutaneous LAAO were matched to up to five OAC users by sex, age, date of enrollment, index date, CHA2DS2-VASc score, and HAS-BLED score. Overall, 17 156 patients with AF (2905 with percutaneous LAAO) were matched (average ± SD 78 ± 6 years, 44% female). Cox proportional hazards model were used. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 10.3 months. After multivariable adjustments, no significant difference for risk of stroke or death was noted when patients with percutaneous LAAO were compared with OAC users (HRs [95% CIs]: 1.14 [0.86-1.52], 0.98 [0.86-1.10]). There was a 2.94-fold (95% CI: 2.50-3.45) increased risk for hospitalized bleeding for percutaneous LAAO compared with OAC use. Among patients 65 to <78 years old, those undergoing percutaneous LAAO had higher risk of stroke compared with OAC users. No association was present in those ≥78 years. CONCLUSION: In this analysis of real-world AF patients, percutaneous LAAO versus OAC use was associated with similar risk of death, nonsignificantly elevated risk of stroke, and an elevated risk of bleeding in the post-procedural period. Overall, these results support results of randomized trials that percutaneous LAAO may be an alternative to OAC use for patients with contraindications.

Echocardiographic evaluation of left atrial volume and comparative analysis to left atrial to aortic root ratio in premature neonates and infants with patent ductus arteriosus.

PURPOSE: Left atrium to aortic root ratio (LA/Ao) is an echocardiographic marker of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Since 2-dimensional measurement of the ratio is geometrically limited, left atrial volume (LAV) which has 3-dimensional characteristics was investigated. The aim of this study was to determine a correlation between LA/Ao ratio and LAV as well as holodiastolic flow reversal in preterm neonates with and without a PDA. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of neonates with and without PDA was performed. Targeted neonatal echocardiography evaluation of LA/Ao and LAV was measured from parasternal long-axis view and the apical 4 and 2-chamber views, respectively. Univariate and linear regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: 200 patients were included of whom 158 (79.0%) had a PDA shunt. The median gestational age at the time of echo was 27.4 weeks (IQR: 25.7-29.4 weeks). The median LA/Ao ratio was 1.51 (IQR: 1.26-1.83) and median LAV indexed to weight was  .91 mL/kg (IQR: .65-1.18 mL/kg). There was a significant correlation between LA/Ao and LAV indexed to weight in the PDA group (r2 = .080, p = .0003). LA/Ao ratio and LAV indexed to weight differed significantly between those with diastolic flow reversal versus no-flow reversal (LA/Ao, p = .003; LAV, p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a significant correlation between LA/Ao and LAV in preterm infants with PDA, with greater magnitude of discordance for LAV. The power of LAV versus LA/Ao in monitoring hemodynamically significant PDA requires prospective evaluation.

Comparison of in-hospital outcomes and complications of left atrial appendage closure with the Watchman device between males and females.

AIMS: Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with WATCHMAN device is being used for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFB) and, as an off-label use, atrial flutter (AFL) who can't comply with long-term anticoagulation. We aim to study the differences in outcomes between sexes in patients undergoing Watchman device implantation. METHODOLOGY: The National Inpatient Sample was queried between 2016 and 2019 using ICD-10 clinical modification codes I48x for AFB and AFL. Patients who underwent LAAO were identified using the procedural code 02L73DK. Comorbidities and complications were identified using ICD procedure and diagnosis codes. Differences in primary outcomes were analyzed using multivariable regression and propensity score matching. RESULTS: 38 105 admissions were identified, of which 16 795 (44%) were females (76 ± 7.6 years) and 21 310 (56%) were males (75 ± 8 years). Females were more likely to have cardiac (frequencies: 5.8% vs 3.75%, aOR: 1.5 [1.35-1.68], p1 day inpatient (1.79 [1.67-1.93], P < 0.01) and be discharged to a facility (1.54 [1.33-1.80], P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Females are more likely to develop cardiac, renal, bleeding, pulmonary and TEE-related complications following LAAO procedure, while concurrently showing higher mortality, length of stay and discharge to facilities.

Left atrial appendage closure device outcomes among cirrhosis patients with atrial fibrillation: a United States National Cohort Study.

AIMS: Literature regarding outcomes associated with atrial fibrillation among cirrhosis patients who had left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) device procedure is limited. We aim to evaluate the in-hospital clinical outcomes and 30-day readmissions among LAAO with and without cirrhosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a retrospective study of all hospitalizations associated with the LAAO procedure, using the Nationwide Readmissions Database for the years 2016-19. Primary outcomes were in-hospital clinical outcomes and 30-day readmissions. A total of 54 897 index hospitalizations for LAAO (female 41.8%) were reported. Of these, 905(1.65%) had cirrhosis. Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding was reported in 44 (4.9%) vs. 1606 (2.97%) and coagulopathy in 21 (2.3%) vs. 521 (0.96%) in cirrhosis and without-cirrhosis groups, respectively. A total of 872 (1.59%) patients needed blood transfusion, 24 (2.7%) vs. 848(1.57%) in cirrhosis vs. without-cirrhosis groups (P = 0.047). Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion was reported among 888 (1.62%), with cirrhosis 26 (3%) vs. without cirrhosis 862 (1.6%) (P = 0.05). On adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis, acute kidney injury, coagulopathy, FFP transfusion, and blood transfusion were strongly associated with cirrhosis, and GI bleeding, ischaemic stroke, and intracranial haemorrhage were not associated with cirrhosis. Readmissions in 30 days were 5028 (9.18%), 167 (18.5%) in the cirrhosis group and 4861 (9%) without-cirrhosis group (P = 0.01). On multivariate Cox regression, CHA2DS2-Vasc score of six was significantly associated with 30-day readmission compared with other scores [hazard ratio 2.24; 95% confidence interval (1.58-3.16); P < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Left atrial appendage occlusion procedure in patients with cirrhosis had relatively similar GI bleeding and stroke rates, however, had higher rates of 30-day readmission. A higher CHA2DS2-Vasc score was more likely to be associated with 30-day readmissions and hence would help in discharge planning. The long-term safety and efficacy of LAAO in the cirrhosis population need to be demonstrated.

Combined atrial fibrillation ablation and left atrial appendage occlusion procedure in the United States: a propensity score matched analysis from 2016-2019 national readmission database.

AIMS: The safety and feasibility of combining percutaneous catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation with left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) as a single procedure in the USA have not been investigated. We analyzed the US National Readmission Database (NRD) to investigate the incidence of combined LAAO + CA and compare major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) with matched LAAO-only and CA-only patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this retrospective study from NRD data, we identified patients undergoing combined LAAO and CA procedures on the same day in the USA from 2016 to 2019. A 1:1 propensity score match was performed to identify patients undergoing LAAO-only and CA-only procedures. The number of LAAO + CA procedures increased from 28 (2016) to 119 (2019). LAAO + CA patients (n = 375, mean age 74 ± 9.2 years, 53.4% were males) had non-significant higher MACE (8.1%) when compared with LAAO-only (n = 407, 5.3%) or CA-only patients (n = 406, 7.4%), which was primarily driven by higher rate of pericardial effusion (4.3%). All-cause 30-day readmission rates among LAAO + CA patients (10.7%) were similar when compared with LAAO-only (12.7%) or CA-only (17.5%) patients. The most frequent primary reason for readmissions among LAAO + CA and LAAO-only cohorts was heart failure (24.6 and 31.5%, respectively), while among the CA-only cohort, it was paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (25.7%). CONCLUSION: We report an 63% annual growth (from 28 procedures) in combined LAAO and CA procedures in the USA. There were no significant difference in MACE and all-cause 30-day readmission rates among LAAO + CA patients compared with matched LAAO-only or CA-only patients.

The Emerging Role of Intracardiac Echocardiography (ICE) in Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC).

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) has emerged as a powerful imaging tool to guide percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC). Herein, we review an imaging protocol for ICE-guided LAAC and discuss the evidence for its use. RECENT FINDINGS: Standardized imaging protocols have been proposed but have not been fully validated. ICE imaging yields similar procedural and clinical outcomes when compared to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to guide LAAC. Despite benefits of avoiding general anesthesia, TEE, and multiple physicians for LAAC procedures, ICE imaging remains under-utilized. Novel ICE catheters with 3D imaging capabilities may improve accuracy and efficiency of LAAC device implantation. ICE guidance is feasible, safe, and effective for LAAC. As the field evolves, further studies will be necessary to assess this technological advancement in imaging guidance.

Recombinant l-Amino Acid Oxidase with Broad Substrate Spectrum for Co-substrate Recycling in (S)-Selective Transaminase-Catalyzed Kinetic Resolutions.

Chiral and enantiopure amines can be produced by enantioselective transaminases via kinetic resolution of amine racemates. This transamination reaction requires stoichiometric amounts of co-substrate. A dual-enzyme recycling system overcomes this limitation: l-amino acid oxidases (LAAO) recycle the accumulating co-product of (S)-selective transaminases in the kinetic resolution of racemic amines to produce pure (R)-amines. However, availability of suitable LAAOs is limited. Here we use the heterologously produced, highly active fungal hcLAAO4 with broad substrate spectrum. H2 O2 as byproduct of hcLAAO4 is detoxified by a catalase. The final system allows using sub-stoichiometric amounts of 1 mol% of the transaminase co-substrate as well as the initial application of l-amino acids instead of α-keto acids. With an optimized protocol, the synthetic potential of this kinetic resolution cascade was proven at the preparative scale (>90 mg) by the synthesis of highly enantiomerically pure (R)-methylbenzylamine (>99 %ee) at complete conversion (50 %).

Feasibility and safety of laser balloon pulmonary vein isolation in patients with prior left atrial appendage occlusion device implantation.

INTRODUCTION: With the increasing adoption of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedures and the eligibility of patients for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) post device placement, we examined the feasibility and safety of laser balloon (LB) for PVI in patients with prior LAAO. METHODS: We retrospectively examined consecutive patients with paroxysmal or persistent, drug-resistant atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent LB PVI, after Watchman FLX device implantation at Rush University Medical Center between January 2020 and December 2021. RESULTS: Seven patients (four persistent and three paroxysmal) with a mean age of 64 ± 11 years, predominantly male sex (86%), were included in the study. Two (29%) patients had prior cryoablation PVI with recurrence of AF. The mean CHA2 DS2 VASc is 2.6 ± 0.5 and the mean HAS-BLED score is 3.4 ± 0.8. The mean follow-up duration was 10 ± 7 months. The mean duration between Watchman FLX device implantation and LB PVI was 592 days. Acute first pass left pulmonary vein (PV) isolation was achieved in 100% of the procedures. There were no periprocedural complications such as death, pericardial tamponade or effusion, phrenic nerve injury, PV stenosis, device perforation or embolization, or worsening peri-device leak in any of the patients. None of the patients had AF recurrence after the blanking period. CONCLUSION: LB PVI was safe and effective with 100% acute isolation of left-sided veins in patients with prior LAAO device.

Left atrial appendage exclusion with less invasive left ventricular assist device implantation.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this single-center, pilot, prospective, and historical control study is to evaluate safety and feasibility outcomes associated with left atrial appendage exclusion (LAAE) concomitant with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation via less invasive surgery (LIS) as a stroke prevention strategy. METHODS: A predefined number of 30 eligible subjects scheduled for LIS LVAD with LAAE were enrolled in the prospective arm between January 2020 and February 2021. Eligible retrospective LIS LVAD patients without LAAE were propensity-matched in a 1:1 ratio with the prospective arm subjects. The primary study objectives were to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of the LAAE concomitant with LIS LVAD. RESULTS: Preoperative characteristics of patients in the Non-LAAE and LAAE groups were similar. LAAE was successfully excluded in all prospective patients (100%). Primary safety endpoints of chest tube output within the first 24 postoperative hours, Reoperation for bleeding within 48 h, and index hospitalization mortality demonstrated comparable safety of LAAE versus Non-LAAE with LIS LVAD. Cox proportional hazard regression demonstrated that LAAE with LIS LVAD was associated with 37% and 49% reduction in the risk of stroke and disabling stroke, respectively (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Results from our pilot study demonstrated the safety and feasibility of LAAE concomitant with LIS LVAD as a stroke prevention strategy. This is the first prospective study describing LAAE performed concomitantly to less invasive LVAD implantation. The efficacy of LAAE in long-term stroke prevention needs to be confirmed in future prospective randomized clinical trials.

Endocardial versus epicardial left atrial appendage exclusion for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation: Midterm follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) became an alternative method for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) intolerant to long term oral anticoagulation therapy. This study aimed to compare endocardial (Amulet and LAmbere occluders) and epicardial (Lariat) LAAC techniques. METHODS: A retrospective, observational case-control study included 223 consecutive CHA2 DS2 -VAS score-matched patients with AF who underwent LAAC in two centers. RESULTS: There were 55 matched cases with the mean CHA2DS2-VASs score 4.4 ± 1.22 (p = 1). Overall follow-up was 308.2 patient-years. The Endocardial group patients were older and more often females with congestive heart failure and peripheral vascular disease. The epicardial group more frequently had a stroke/transient ischemic attack history. There were no differences in hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and indications for procedure between both groups. The mean HAS-BLED score was significantly higher in the endocardial group than in the epicardial group (4.3 ± 0.9 vs. 3.7 ± 1.3, p = .011). There were no differences in annual rates of thromboembolic events (2.6% vs 0.5%) and annual stroke (0.87% vs. 0%) between the endocardial and epicardial groups. CONCLUSION: Endocardial and Epicardial LAAC techniques show comparable implantation outcomes and safety profile and stroke prevention in patients with AF. Future randomized studies are needed to corroborate these initial results and assess long term mortality.

Outcomes and predictors of readmission after implantation of a percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion device in the United States: A propensity score-matched analysis from The National Readmission Database.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) devices have become a favorable alternative option among nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with long-term contraindication to anticoagulation. Real-world experience with postprocedural readmission rates and predictors of readmission in LAAO patients is limited. OBJECTIVE: To assess all-cause 30-day readmission rate and predictors of readmission after LAAO procedure in the United States. METHOD: This retrospective observational study included all AF patients undergoing percutaneous LAAO procedures in the United States from January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017, in the National Readmission Database. The primary outcome measure was all-cause 30-day readmission. A propensity score-matched analysis compared outcomes with a non-LAAO AF cohort. RESULT: Among 14 024 LAAO procedures (age: 76 ± 8 years; 60.5% males), 9.4% were readmitted within 30-days and, 0.2% died during their index hospitalization. The most frequent primary diagnosis during readmission among LAAO was gastrointestinal bleeding (12%). The incidence of LAAO procedures increased by 102%. In the multivariate model, gender and CHA2 DS2 -VASc failed to predict readmission. Age 55-64 years had lower odds (adjusted odds ratios [aOR]: 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18-0.94), while drug abuse (aOR: 4.1; 95% CI: 1.34-12.54), and deficiency anemia (aOR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.12-3.18) had higher odds of readmission. In propensity-matched cohort, compared to non-LAAO AF, LAAO patients had lower 30-day readmission (9.4% vs. 10.98%, p = .002) and all-cause in-hospital mortality (0.19% vs. 0.57%, p < .001). CONCLUSION: The readmission rate following the LAAO procedure is substantial (approximately 10%), and largely attributable to gastrointestinal bleeding. Factors such as drug abuse and anemia must be explored further to minimize readmission risk.

Cabbage defense response provoked by Trichoderma Th-LAAO.

To investigate the molecular mechanism of Trichoderma L-amino acid oxidase (Th-LAAO) in protecting and in promoting growth of cabbage infected with Botrytis cinerea, a three-way interaction system was established. Cabbage leaves treated with purified Th-LAAO significantly constrained damaged leaf area caused by B. cinerea infection. In response to Th-LAAO treatment, the expression levels of genes involved in photosynthesis, such as ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase, Rubisco activase, and ATP synthase increased 2.54, 2.18, and 1.41 folds, respectively. The transcription levels of sucrose transport protein 1 increased 7.6 fold. As to the expression of defense-related genes, the transcription level of ascorbate peroxidase increased 1.46 fold. On the contrary, pathogenesis-related protein 1, chitinase, ß-1,3 glucanase, and glutathione S-transferase decreased significantly. Overall, the results indicated that Th-LAAO may stimulate CO2 fixation and sucrose transport and elicit host defense responses in cabbage against B. cinerea, and this elicitation of defense response is likely to contribute to induced systemic resistance of host plant.

Factors affecting the urinary aldosterone-to-creatinine ratio in healthy dogs and dogs with naturally occurring myxomatous mitral valve disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activation in course of heart diseases contributes to cardiac remodeling and heart failure. Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is characterized by different stages of severity and trend of RAAS activity during the course of the disease is still uncertain. The urinary aldosterone-to-creatinine ratio (UAldo:C) has been proven to reflect RAAS activation in dogs and might be a useful marker in monitoring therapy and disease progression, but data about this parameter need to be expanded. The objective of this study was to evaluate the UAldo:C in healthy dogs and dogs with naturally occurring MMVD, and to investigate the relationships between this parameter and clinical, echocardiographic and laboratory variables. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 149 dogs: 49 healthy and 100 MMVD dogs (45 stage B1, 13 stage B2 and 42 stage C). Urinary aldosterone-to-creatinine ratio was not significantly different among healthy and MMVD dogs of any stages. Breed, sex and age showed a significant impact on UAldo:C. In particular, Chihuahua and Cavalier King Charles spaniel showed significantly higher UAldo:C than other breeds, as well as intact females than other genders. In stage C dogs, UAldo:C appeared to be increased by spironolactone and was positively associated with furosemide dose (P = 0.024). Aldosterone breakthrough (ABT) appeared to occur in 36% (8/22) of stage C dogs not receiving spironolactone. A significant positive association between UAldo:C and left atrium-to-aortic root ratio (LA/Ao) was found. CONCLUSIONS: Individual factors such as breed, sex and age appeared to influence UAldo:C, and therapy seemed to add further variability. In the light of these results, comparing the UAldo:C of a single patient with a population-based reference value might lead to wrong interpretations and an individual monitoring should be considered. The prevalence of ABT in the present study (36%) was in line with those previously reported. However, due to the high individual variability of UAldo:C found in the study, even this result should be re-evaluated in the setting of an individual longitudinal approach. The positive association between UAldo:C and LA/Ao supports the mutual relationship between RAAS and cardiac remodeling.

Why should cardiac surgeons occlude the left atrial appendage percutaneously?

OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion (LAAO) is a procedure dominated by cardiologists. The aim of our study was to present the results of percutaneous LAAO performed solely by cardiac surgeons. METHODS: Two hundred twenty-three consecutive patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation underwent percutaneous LAAO in two cardiac surgery sites. In the first center, all 84 LAAO procedures were performed with the endocardial LAA occluders: 60 cases with the Amulet and 24 cases with the LAmbre. In the second center, all 139 LAAO procedures were performed with the LARIAT epicardial device. RESULTS: The mean CHA2 DS2 -VASc-score was 3.7 ± 1.8 points, and mean HAS-BLED score was 3.6 ± 1.2 points. The procedure was successful in 97.3% of cases. Procedural or device-related adverse events were noted in 4.4% (n = 10) of cases: one periprocedural cardiac arrest, one aortic injury, one gastrointestinal bleeding, three cases of vascular access complications, and four cardiac tamponades. After a follow-up of 40.3 ± 17.3 months, 78.4% of patients were alive, with the annual mortality rate of 5.3%. Compared to the predicted risk, the observed incidence of thromboembolism was lower by 71%, and the bleeding incidence was lower by 69%. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous LAAO procedures can be safely performed by cardiac surgeons, with no cardiological assistance. LAAO done by surgeons is safe and effective, and periprocedural and long-term outcomes are excellent. Cardiac surgeons should be trained in both types of LAAO: endocardial and epicardial.

Left atrial anatomy and patient-related factors associated with adverse outcomes with the watchman device-a real world experience.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to identify patient and left atrial morphology specific factors associated with early complications for left atrial appendage occlusion with the Watchman™ (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA) device. BACKGROUND: Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is recommended for patients with atrial fibrillation, however, long-term OAC compliance is poor. In randomized control trials, the Watchman™ device has demonstrated superiority over OAC with warfarin for all cause and cardiovascular mortality and hemorrhagic stroke. However, predictors of procedural complications have not yet been well established. METHODS: There were 137 patients included in this study from a total of 141 consecutive patients prospectively enrolled in the registry between 8/1/2015 and 08/31/2016. Unadjusted, multivariate cox proportional hazards model was used for analysis. Primary end-point was a composite major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) defined to include death, stroke, major and life threatening bleeding, major vascular complications, device embolization, need for cardiovascular surgery, need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and significant pericardial effusion. RESULTS: The primary endpoint was reached in 5.8% of patients. There were no device embolization and no strokes. Anterior chicken morphology (ACW) of the left atrial appendage (LAA) conferred a hazard ratio of 3.7 for MACCE and a body mass index >30 kg/m2 significantly lowered the likelihood of a MACCE. CONCLUSION: Certain LAA morphologies and patient characteristics increase the risk for a MACCE following left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with the Watchman™ device. Anterior chicken wing morphology of the LAA and low BMI <30 kg/m2 were independent predictors of MACCE in the multivariate regression model.

l-amino acid oxidase expression profile and biochemical responses of rabbitfish (Siganus oramin) after exposure to a high dose of Cryptocaryon irritans.

Cryptocaryon irritans is an important protozoan parasite which infects almost all kinds of marine teleosts, causing heavy economic losses. In our previous studies, we found that rabbitfish (Siganus oramin) displayed high resistance to C. irritans infection, and a novel protein, l-amino acid oxidase (LAAO), was identified from the serum that was lethal to C. irritans. In this study, the rabbitfish were firstly infected with a high dose of C. irritans, then the LAAO mRNA expression pattern and the activity of three enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), Na+/K+-ATPase and Ca2+/Mg2+-ATPase] were measured in various tissues. The results indicated that, after infection, the feeding and swimming of rabbitfish was normal, and the infection intensity in the host was low. Tissue distribution analysis showed that LAAO mRNA was most pronounced in the head kidney and gill, with lower expression observed in the muscle. After infection with C. irritans, the LAAO mRNA was up-regulated early post infection (from 6 to 24 h) in both gill and spleen, but then returned to normal levels, implying that LAAO may play an important role in the host's early immune response. The SOD activity in the liver was significantly higher in the infection group than in the control group by 48 h post infection, while Na+/K+-ATPase and Ca2+/Mg2+-ATPase activities in the gill were decreased by 12 and 24 h after infection; no significant difference was detected at the other time points throughout the experiment. Together, these results suggest that biochemical responses of rabbitfish are relatively mild after infection with a high dose of parasite, and the LAAO may play an important role in the host's defense against C. irritans.

Minimally invasive left atrial appendage occlusion plus reduced dose direct oral anticoagulant to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation-the LAAO-PlusRE.

The onset of atrial fibrillation (AF) has a direct association with left atrial appendage (LAA) function, as demonstrated by recent studies demonstrating the link between left atrial (LA) wall fibrosis, impaired contractility, and the development of AF. Non-valvular AF (NVAF) affects almost 30 million people worldwide, with this number expected to increase in the next 20 years. It is the main cause of ischemic stroke, with significant subsequent economic and social impact. Currently, the mainstay of stroke prevention in patients with NVAF is oral anticoagulation (OAC), which reduces the incidence of ischemic events at the stake of increased hemorrhagic events. Despite the introduction and widespread use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), which almost completely replaced vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), the adherence to OAC is still low, hindering the efficacy of stroke prevention. Percutaneous LAA occlusion (LAAO) is now indicated (class IIB) in patients with NVAF at increased ischemic risk who cannot undergo OAC. Recently published data demonstrated that a reduced dose of DOAC after percutaneous LAAO is superior to long-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for stroke prevention in the mid-term. One of the possible pitfalls of percutaneous LAAO is postprocedural peri-device leaks (PDLs) that have been associated with increased thromboembolic events. According to LAAOS III results, surgical LAAO during cardiac surgery brings a 33% reduction in risk of stroke at five years, independently from the OAC regimen with a high rate of complete appendage occlusion. The combination of surgical LAAO and reduced dose DOAC might ensure adequate embolic prevention, lowering the hemorrhagic risk. The present manuscript aims to describe the rationale and design of the Minimally Invasive Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Plus REduced Dose DOAC To Prevent Stroke In Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Randomized Clinical Trial (LAAO-PlusRE).