Combining echocardiography and fluoroscopy imaging in real time for left atrial appendage occlusion - single center experience from Poland.

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) presents a growing health concern, often requiring stroke prevention measures, primarily through oral anticoagulation (OAC). Surgical interventions such as left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) offer alternatives when OAC is contraindicated. In recent years, percutaneous procedures have gained traction as minimally invasive options, demanding precise anatomical insights. Fusion imaging (FI), which combines transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and fluoroscopy, has emerged as a potential game-changer in transcatheter interventions. Aim: This study introduces FI to LAAO procedures in Poland, assessing its role in guiding interventions, highlighting advantages, and exploring its potential to reshape cardiovascular interventions. Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective study involving LAAO procedures from March 2015 to December 2018, all utilizing FI. Patient indications, procedural specifics, and safety metrics were collected and analyzed. Follow-ups were conducted at 3 and 6 months. Results: A cohort of 83 patients (mean age: 72.1 ±8.4 years) underwent successful LAAO procedures. FI provided precise device placement and anatomical assessment. Mean procedure time was 54.9 ±34.3 min, contrast medium usage averaged 33.7 ±22.7 ml, and creatinine levels remained stable. Patients were discharged in about 4.2 ±3.4 days. Adverse effects were rare, including minimal bleeding and cardiac tamponade. Follow-ups demonstrated favorable outcomes with low adverse event rates. Conclusions: This study marks the inaugural application of FI in Polish LAAO procedures. FI, offering enhanced visualization and reduced procedure times, holds promise in improving patient safety and treatment efficacy. We recommend its consideration as a standard visualization technique for LAAO procedures.

Causes of death and morbidity in patients with atrial fibrillation after left atrial appendage occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a safe and effective alternative for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there is little literature on the exact causes of death and adverse events during follow­up after LAAO. AIMS: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate survival free of any serious adverse events and of any­cause death in midterm follow­up. The secondary aims were to analyze causes of mortality and further hospitalization as well as adverse events, thromboembolism, and bleeding risk reduction during follow­up. METHODS: A retrospective, single­center study was performed in 84 consecutive patients with AF who underwent LAAO with endocardial occluders. The mean (SD) CHADS2 score was 3.5 (1.1), CHA2DS2­VASc score, 5.0 (1.5), and HAS­BLED score, 4.4 (0.9). After LAAO, dual 6­month antiplatelet therapy and then lifelong aspirin monotherapy was recommended. Mean (SD) follow­up was 25.3 (13.2) months with an accumulated total follow­up of 174.6 patient­years. RESULTS: The annual mortality rate was 12.02%. More than half of deaths (57%) were due to noncardiovascular causes with leading malignancy. Survival at the end of the periprocedural period was 98.8%, at 3 months, 97.6%, at 6 months, 95.2%, at 12 months, 86.5%, at 18 months, 85.1%, and at 24 months, 80.6%. The average annual thromboembolic event rate was 2.87%. The most common adverse event was severe bleeding with an annual rate of 6.3% (3 cases while receiving dual antiplatelet therapy and 6 cases while receiving aspirin). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of deaths were not related to stroke in patients with AF after LAAO. Mortality in first 2 years following the procedure was predominantly from noncardiovascular causes.