Atrial septum anatomy as a predictor of ischemic neurological episodes in patients with a patent foramen ovale.

BACKGROUND: The correlation between atrial septum anatomy and the risk of ischemic neurological events remains underexplored. AIMS: This study aimed to examine both the functional and anatomical attributes of the atrial septum and identify predictors of stroke and/or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in patients diagnosed with patent foramen ovale (PFO). METHODS: A total of 155 patients diagnosed with PFO, with a cardiological cause of neurological events, were enrolled. Transesophageal echocardiography was utilized to assess the anatomy of the PFO canal, size of the right-to-left shunt, thickness of the primary and secondary atrial septum, presence of atrial septum aneurysm, and anatomical structures of the right atrium. RESULTS: Regression analysis showed that factors such as female sex, hypercholesterolemia, PFO canal width, and a large right-to-left shunt were significantly associated with stroke and/or TIA. Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that the width of the PFO canal holds a relatively weak, although significant predictive, value for ischemic neurological episodes (area under the curve = 0.7; P = 0.002). A PFO canal width of 4 mm was associated with 70% sensitivity and 55% specificity for predicting stroke and/or TIA. CONCLUSIONS: The atrial septum's anatomy, especially the dimensions of the PFO canal and the magnitude of the right-to-left shunt, combined with specific demographic and clinical factors, are linked to ischemic neurological incidents in PFO patients.

Videolaryngoscope versus conventional technique for insertion of a transesophageal echocardiography probe in intubated ICU patients (VIDLARECO trial): A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Transesophageal echocardiogram probe insertion in intubated critically ill patients can be difficult, leading to complications, such as gastric bleeding or lesions in the oropharyngeal mucosa. We hypothesised that the use of a videolaryngoscope would facilitate the first attempt at insertion of the transesophageal echocardiogram probe and would decrease the incidence of complications compared to the conventional insertion technique. METHODS: In this clinical trial, patients were randomly assigned the insertion of a transesophageal echocardiogram probe using a videolaryngoscope or conventional technique. The primary outcome was the successful transesophageal echocardiogram probe insertion on the first attempt. The secondary outcomes included total success rate, number of insertion attempts, and incidence of pharyngeal complications. RESULTS: A total of 100 intubated critically ill patients were enrolled. The success rate of transesophageal echocardiogram probe insertion on the first attempt was higher in the videolaryngoscope group than in the conventional group (90% vs. 58%; absolute difference, 32%; 95% CI 16%-48%; p < 0.001). The overall success rate was higher in the videolaryngoscope group than in the conventional group (100% vs. 72%; absolute difference, 28%; 95% CI 16%-40%; p < 0.001). The incidence of pharyngeal mucosal injury was smaller in the videolaryngoscope group than in the conventional group (14% vs. 52%; absolute difference, 38%; 95% CI 21%-55%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that in intubated critically ill patients required transesophageal echocardiogram, the use of videolaryngoscope resulted in higher successful insertion on the first attempt with lower rate of complications when compared with the conventional insertion technique. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04980976.

Medical Malpractice Claims Related to Performance of Transesophageal Echocardiography by Anesthesiologists.

More than 300,000 adults have cardiac surgery in the United States annually, and most undergo intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). This patient population is often older with multiple comorbidities, increasing their risk for complications for even routine procedures. Major morbidity or mortality caused by TEE is rare, and it is unknown how often such complications lead to malpractice lawsuits. The authors identified 13 cases out of 2,564 in a closed claims database that involved TEE and reviewed their etiology. Esophageal injury accounted for most of the suits, and only 2 were related to diagnosis. Most expert reviews deemed the care provided by the anesthesiologist to be appropriate.

A preliminary study of minimal left atrial appendage occlusion using Watchman under the guidance of fluoroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has been considered an alternative treatment to prevent embolic stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, it carries a risk of general anesthesia or esophageal injury if guided by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). AIMS: We aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of minimal LAAO (MLAAO) using Watchman under fluoroscopy guidance alone in patients with NVAF. METHODS: A total of 249 consecutive patients with NVAF who underwent LAAO using the WATCHMAN device were divided into two groups: the Standard LAAO (SLAAO) group and the MLAAO group. Procedural characteristics and follow-up results were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of successful device implantation (p > 0.05). Fluoroscopy time, radiation exposure dose, and contrast medium usage in the MLAAO group were higher than those in the SLAAO group (p < 0.001). The procedure time and hospitalization duration were significantly lower in the MLAAO group than those in the SLAAO group (p < 0.001). The occluder compression ratio, measured with fluoroscopy, was lower than that measured with TEE (17.63 ± 3.75% vs. 21.69 ± 4.26%, p < 0.001). Significant differences were observed between the SLAAO group and the MLAAO group (p < 0.05) in terms of oropharyngeal/esophageal injury, hypotension, and dysphagia. At 3 months after LAAO, the MLAAO group had a higher incidence of residual flow within 1-5 mm compared to the SLAAO group, although the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: MLAAO guided by fluoroscopy, instead of TEE, without general anesthesia simplifies the operational process and may be considered safe, effective, and feasible, especially for individuals who are unable to tolerate or unwilling to undergo TEE or general anesthesia.

Midterm follow-up after computed tomography angiography planned left atrial appendage closure.

BACKGROUND: While studies have shown the advantages of computed tomography angiography (CTA) over transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) preprocedural planning for WATCHMAN™ legacy and FLX devices, there has been no reported long-term data for this approach. OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate long-term outcomes using CTA-based preprocedural planning for LAAC using the WATCHMAN™ device. METHODS: A prospective analysis of 231 consecutive patients who underwent LAAC in a single, large academic hospital in the United States was conducted over a 5-year period. CTA-guided preprocedural planning was performed in all. Procedural success, adverse events, length of procedure, number of devices used, and length of stay were evaluated. Rates of death, cerebral embolism, systemic embolism, and major and minor bleeding were recorded. Adjusted predicted stroke and major bleeding rates were derived from CHA2DS2-Vasc and HAS-BLED scores, respectively. RESULTS: From January 26, 2017, to November 23, 2021, 231 patients underwent LAAC with CTA preprocedural planning by two operating physicians. The mean age of patients was 76.5 ± 8.4. 59.7% of patients were male. Mean CHA2DS2VASc and HAS-BLED scores were 4.5 ± 1.4 and 3.9 ± 0.9, respectively. All procedures were performed with intracardiac echo (100%). The procedural success rate was 99.1%. The CTA sizing strategy accurately predicted the implant size in 93.5% of patients. Mean number of devices used was 1.10 ± 0.3. Peri-procedural complication rate was 2.2%. 6 patients were lost to follow-up. Mean follow-up was 608.94 days with a total of 377.04 patient years. Median follow-up period of 368 days (interquartile range: 209-1067 days). There were 51 deaths from all causes (13.52 per 100 patient-years), 10 cases of cerebral embolism (2.65 per 100 patient-years), 2 cases of systemic embolism (0.53 per 100 patient-years), 17 cases of major bleeding (4.50 per 100 patient-years), and 31 cases of minor bleeding (8.2 per 100 patient-years). All-cause mortality at 1, 2, and 3 years was 12.7%, 20.9%, and 29.2%, respectively. CV event rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 2.1%, 6.6%, and 10.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CTA-based preprocedural planning is accurate in predicting device size for LAAC and associated with excellent clinical outcomes at 5 years.

Residual leaks following percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion and outcomes: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Residual leaks are not infrequent after left atrial appendage occlusion. However, there is still uncertainty regarding their prognostic implications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of residual leaks after left atrial appendage occlusion. METHODS: A literature search was conducted until 19 February 2023. Residual leaks comprised peri-device leaks (PDLs) on transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) or computed tomography (CT), as well as left atrial appendage patency on CT. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to assess the clinical impact of residual leaks. RESULTS: Overall 48 eligible studies (44 non-randomized/observational and 4 randomized studies) including 61 666 patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent left atrial appendage occlusion were analysed. Peri-device leak by TEE was present in 26.1% of patients. Computed tomography-based left atrial appendage patency and PDL were present in 54.9% and 57.3% of patients, respectively. Transoesophageal echocardiography-based PDL (i.e. any reported PDL regardless of its size) was significantly associated with a higher risk of thromboembolism [pooled odds ratio (pOR) 2.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.52-2.74], all-cause mortality (pOR 1.16, 95% CI: 1.08-1.24), and major bleeding (pOR 1.12, 95% CI: 1.03-1.22), compared with no reported PDL. A positive graded association between PDL size and risk of thromboembolism was noted across TEE cut-offs. For any PDL of >0, >1, >3, and >5 mm, the pORs for thromboembolism were 1.82 (95% CI: 1.35-2.47), 2.13 (95% CI: 1.04-4.35), 4.14 (95% CI: 2.07-8.27), and 4.44 (95% CI: 2.09-9.43), respectively, compared with either no PDL or PDL smaller than each cut-off. Neither left atrial appendage patency, nor PDL by CT was associated with thromboembolism (pOR 1.45 and 1.04, 95% CI: 0.84-2.50 and 0.52-2.07, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Peri-device leak detected by TEE was associated with adverse events, primarily thromboembolism. Residual leaks detected by CT were more frequent but lacked prognostic significance.

Predictive value of nutritional indices for left atrial thrombus in patients with valvular atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) are well known indicators for adverse outcomes in various diseases, but there is no evidence on their association with the risk of left atrial thrombus (LAT) in patients with valvular atrial fibrillation (VAF). METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 433 VAF patients. Demographics, clinical characteristics and echocardiographic data were collected and analyzed. Patients were grouped by the presence of LAT detected by transesophageal echocardiography. RESULTS: LAT were identified in 142 patients (32.79%). The restricted cubic splines showed an L-shaped relationship between PNI and LAT. The dose-response curve flattened out near the horizontal line with OR = 1 at the level of 49.63, indicating the risk of LAT did not decrease if PNI was greater than 49.63. GNRI was negative with the risk of LAT and tended to be protective when greater than 106.78. The best cut-off values of PNI and GNRI calculated by receiver operating characteristics curve to predict LAT were 46.4 (area under these curve [AUC]: 0.600, 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.541-0.658, P = 0.001) and 105.7 (AUC: 0.629, 95% CI:0.574-0.684, P<0.001), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that PNI ≤ 46.4 (odds ratio: 2.457, 95% CI:1.333-4.526, P = 0.004) and GNRI ≤ 105.7 (odds ratio: 2.113, 95% CI:1.076-4.149, P = 0.030) were independent predictors of LAT, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Lower nutritional indices (GNRI and PNI) were associated with increased risk for LAT in patients with VAF.

Risk of recurrent ischemic stroke in patients with patent foramen ovale: The role of D-dimer.

BACKGROUND: Paradoxical embolism under elevated thromboembolic conditions is known to be the primary mechanism of patent foramen ovale (PFO)-related stroke. We hypothesized that higher levels of D-dimer, a marker of thromboembolism, could increase the risk of stroke recurrence in patients with PFO. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from 1226 consecutive patients with acute ischemic cryptogenic stroke (CS) who underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). D-dimer was assessed during admission. We used a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model to evaluate the association of long-term outcomes between the presence of PFO and levels of D-dimer. RESULTS: Of the 1226 patients, the study included 461 who underwent TEE. Among them, 242 (52.5%) had PFOs. Among PFO patients, those with a D-dimer level >1.0 mg/L had a significantly higher risk of stroke recurrence compared to those with <0.5mg/L (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 4.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.63-10.02). A pattern of increased risk of event with increasing D-dimer levels was observed (Ptrend=0.008). However, there was no significant difference in the risk of stroke recurrence at any D-dimer level compared to D-dimer level <0.5 mg/L among patients without PFO. In these patients, there was little evidence of increased risk with increasing D-dimer levels (Ptrend=0.570). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the elevated D-dimer level increased the recurrence of stroke in CS patients with PFO, particularly showing a dose-dependent relationship between D-dimer levels and recurrence. However, no such effect was observed in patients without PFO. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of anticoagulation for strokes related to PFO.

Multimodality imaging of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

The diagnosis and management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) requires multimodality imaging. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) remains the first-line imaging modality to diagnose HCM identifying morphology and obstruction, which includes left ventricular outflow obstruction, midcavitary obstruction and systolic anterior motion. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) can adjudicate equivocal cases, rule out alternative diagnoses and evaluate for risk factors of sudden cardiac death. Imaging with TTE or transesophageal echocardiogram can also guide alcohol septal ablation or surgical myectomy respectively. Furthermore, TTE can guide medical management of these patients by following peak gradients. Thus, multimodality imaging in HCM is crucial throughout the course of these patients' care.

Left atrial appendage flow velocity predicts occult atrial fibrillation in cryptogenic stroke: a CRYPTON-ICM registry.

BACKGROUND: An insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) are useful for investigating potential embolic sources in cryptogenic stroke, of which atrial fibrillation (AF) is a critical risk factor for stroke recurrence. The association of left atrial appendage flow velocity (LAA-FV) on TEE with ICM-detected AF is yet to be elucidated. METHODS: CRYPTON-ICM (CRYPTOgenic stroke evaluation in Nippon using ICM) is a multicenter registry of cryptogenic stroke with ICM implantation, and patients whose LAA-FV was evaluated on TEE were enrolled. The primary outcome was the detection of AF (> 2 min) on ICM. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut-off of LAA-FV, and factors associated with ICM-detected AF were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 307 patients (age 66.6 ± 12.3 years; 199 males) with median follow-up of 440 (interquartile range 169-726) days were enrolled; AF was detected in 101 patients. The lower-tertile LAA-FV group had older age, more history of congestive heart failure, and higher levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal proBNP (all P < 0.05). On ROC analysis, LAA-FV < 37.5 cm/s predicted ICM-detected AF with sensitivity of 26.7% and specificity of 92.2%. After adjustment for covariates, the lower tertile of LAA-FV (hazard ratio [HR], 1.753 [1.017-3.021], P = 0.043) and LAA-FV < 37.5 cm/s (HR 1.987 [1.240-3.184], P = 0.004) predicted ICM-detected AF. CONCLUSIONS: LAA-FV < 37.5 cm/s predicts AF. TEE is useful not only to evaluate potential embolic sources, but also for long-term detection of AF on ICM by measuring LAA-FV in cryptogenic stroke. http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/ (UMIN000044366).

Orthodeoxia Platypnea Syndrome in the Setting of Cholangiocarcinoma: A Case Report.

Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome is a rare cause of positional hypoxemia and dyspnea. We present the case of a 54-year-old man with right-to-left shunting through a patent foramen ovale in the setting of metastatic cholangiocarcinoma resulting in platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome. The shunt was originally not visualized on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging but later detected with transesophageal echocardiography. This case highlights the importance of complimentary multimodality cardiac imaging in the diagnosis of both common and uncommon disorders.

Hypotensive patient with superior vena cava obstruction diagnosed using resuscitative transesophageal echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a malignancy-related emergency. It is caused by obstruction of blood flow in the superior vena cava (SVC) secondary to intraluminal thrombosis, external compression, or direct invasion of tumor. CASE SUMMARY: A 49-year-old male presented to the emergency department (ED) with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. He was intubated and treated as pneumonia. Post-intubation, he became hypotensive, requiring fluid resuscitation and inotropic support. Resuscitative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) showed external compression by a lung mass and an intraluminal thrombus causing SVC obstruction. Computed tomography (CT) angiography was performed, and it confirmed the TEE findings. A provisional diagnosis of lung carcinoma was made, and he underwent endovascular therapy for rapid symptomatic relief. DISCUSSION: This case report highlights the role of resuscitative TEE in evaluating a hypotensive patient with clinical suspicion of SVCS at the emergency department. TEE performed at the bedside could help to diagnose and demonstrate the pathology causing SVCS in this case. TEE allowed high-quality image acquisition and was able to overcome the limitation of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). TEE should be considered as an alternative ED imaging modality in the management of SVCS.

Left lateral decubitus computed tomography before catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Aim    The study aimed to determine the efficacy of cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for diagnosing left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus before catheter ablation with the patient in the left lateral decubitus position and, also, to evaluate the risk factors for thrombus formation.Material and methods    This retrospective, cohort study included 101 patients with atrial fibrillation. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and left lateral decubitus CCTA. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed to confirm or exclude LAA thrombus. Patients with allergic reactions to iodinated contrast media, increased serum creatinine, hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, and age<18 years were excluded. The CHA2­DS2­VASc and HAS-BLED scores were calculated for each patient.Results    All LAA thrombi detected on CCTA were confirmed by TEE. Higher CHA2­DS2­VASc, HAS-BLED scores, enlarged LA, and the anteroposterior dimension of the left atrium were significantly associated with the presence of LAA thrombus. A LAA cauliflower shape was a predictor of thrombus. An increase of LAA volume by 1 ml increased the chances of LAA thrombus and cerebral ischemic infarct by 2 %. The growth of the LAA anteroposterior diameter by 1 cm increased the risk of LAA thrombus by 190 % and of cerebral infarct by 78 %. An increase in the CHA2DS2­VASc score by 1 point increased the risk of thromboembolism and cerebral infarction by 12 %.Conclusions    CCTA performed in the left lateral decubitus position of the patient is an optimal screening tool to detect or exclude LAA thrombus before catheter ablation because of atrial fibrillation. CCTA has predictive value for risk of thrombosis formation in LAA.

Iatrogenic Injury During Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography: Implications for Medical Equipment Storage.

BACKGROUND: Medical equipment failure is an underappreciated source of iatrogenesis. The authors report a successful root cause analysis and action (RCA2) to improve compliance and decrease risks to patients during cardiac anesthesia care. METHODS: A quality and safety team of five content experts performed an RCA2 after an iatrogenic injury with transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) probe insertion. The team used a fishbone diagram to identify causes and performed a Gemba walk to discuss probability of the different causes with key stakeholders. The team reviewed hospital policies and procedures as well as manufacturer manuals regarding best practices for maintenance and storage of TEE probes. The team created a corrective action plan centered on purchasing larger TEE storage cabinets, education of those who handle TEE probes, and implementing standard operating procedures. Effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated by analyzing frequency of TEE probe maintenance. RESULTS: The study period ranged from July 2016 to June 2021. TEE probes required maintenance 51 times, of which 40 (78.4%) occurred prior to the larger storage cabinet purchase, and 11 (21.6%) afterward. The number of TEE probes requiring maintenance per quarter was 4.4 (standard deviation [SD] 2.5) during the preintervention period and 1.0 (SD 1.0) during the postintervention period (mean difference 3.4, 95% confidence interval 1.0-5.9, p = 0.0006). CONCLUSION: An extensive RCA2 resulting in a corrective action plan centered on compliance with manufacturer recommendations for storage of TEE probes resulted in fewer maintenance requests, which decreased the risk of iatrogenic patient injury from TEE probe failure during cardiac anesthesia care.

Long-Term Imaging and Clinical Outcomes of Surgical Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion With AtriClip.

Surgical left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion with an AtriClip (AtriCure, West Chester, Ohio) is frequently performed for stroke prophylaxis in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients with long-standing persistent AF who underwent hybrid convergent ablation and LAA clipping. Contrast-enhanced cardiac computed tomography was performed at 3 to 6 months after LAA clipping to assess the degree of complete closure and the residual LAA stump. A total of 78 patients (64 ± 10 years, 72% male) underwent LAA clipping as part of hybrid convergent AF ablation, from 2019 to 2020. Median size of AtriClip used was 45 mm. Mean LA size was 4.6 ± 1 cm. At 3-to-6 months follow-up computed tomography, 46.2% of patients (n = 36) had a residual stump proximal to the deployed LAA clip. Mean depth of residual stump was 3.95 ± 5.5 mm, with 19% of patients (n = 15) having a stump depth of ≥10 mm and 1 patient requiring more endocardial LAA closure owing to large stump depth. During 1-year follow-up, 3 patients developed stroke; device leak of 6 mm was noted in 1 patient; and none of the patients had a thrombus proximal to the clip. In conclusion, high incidence of residual LAA stump was observed with AtriClip. Larger studies with long-term follow-up are needed to better assess the thromboembolic implications of a residual stump after AtriClip placement.

Gastrointestinal Complications After Transesophageal Echocardiography for Mitral Valve Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair: Insights From a Large Contemporary Cohort.

OBJECTIVES: Transesophageal echocardiography-related complications (TEE-RC) are higher in structural heart interventions than in traditional operative settings. In mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (MV-TEER), the incidence of TEE-RC may be higher than in other structural interventions. However, existing reports are limited and robust data evaluating TEE safety in this patient population are lacking. The authors sought to describe the incidence and risk factors of upper gastrointestinal injuries after TEE in patients undergoing MV-TEER. DESIGN: A retrospective observational study. SETTING: A single tertiary academic hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 442 consecutive patients who underwent MV-TEER, specifically with MitraClip, between December 2015 and March 2022. INTERVENTIONS: Transesophageal echocardiography was performed intraoperatively to guide all MV-TEERs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The study's primary goal was to investigate an association between TEE procedure duration and TEE-RC risk. The contribution of demographic risk factors and intraprocedural characteristics also was investigated. Transesophageal echocardiography-RCs were observed in 17 out of 442 patients (3.8%). Dysphagia was the most common TEE-RC (n = 9/17, 53%), followed by new gastroesophageal reflux (n = 6/17, 35%) and odynophagia (n = 3/17, 18%). There were no esophageal perforations or upper gastrointestinal bleeds. History of dysphagia was the only variable associated with TEE-RCs (p = 0.008; n = 9 [2.1%] v n = 3 [18%]), with a relative risk of 8.67 (95% CI 2.57, 29.16). The TEE procedure duration was not statistically different between the 2 groups (46 minutes [39-64] in TEE-RCs v 49 minutes [36-77] in no complications). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing MV-TEER, TEE-RCs are uncommon, and major complications are rare. The authors' outcomes reflect those of a high-volume referral center with TEEs performed by cardiac anesthesiologists.

The completeness of the left atrial appendage amputation during routine cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial appendage (LAA) is the origin of most heart thrombi which can lead to stroke or other cerebrovascular event in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to prove safety and low complication rate of surgical LAA amputation using cut and sew technique with control of its effectiveness. METHODS: 303 patients who have undergone selective LAA amputation were enrolled in the study in a period from 10/17 to 08/20. The LAA amputation was performed concomitant to routine cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass with cardiac arrest with or without previous history of AF. The operative and clinical data were evaluated. Extent of LAA amputation was examined intraoperatively by transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Six months in follow up, the patients were controlled regarding clinical status and episodes of strokes. RESULTS: Average age of study population was 69.9 ± 19.2 and 81.9% of patients were male. In only three patients was residual stump after LAA amputation larger than 1 cm with average stump size 0.28 ± 0.34 cm. 3 patients (1%) developed postoperative bleeding. Postoperatively 77 (25.4%) patients developed postoperative AF (POAF), of which 29 (9.6%) still had AF at discharge. On 6 months follow up only 5 patients had NYHA class III and 1 NYHA class IV. Seven patients reported with leg oedema and no patient experienced any cerebrovascular event in early postoperative follow up. CONCLUSION: LAA amputation can be performed safely and completely leaving minimal to no LAA residual stump.