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Left atrial appendage closure: Initial experience with the ultraseal device
Author(s) -
Regueiro Ander,
Bernier Mathieu,
O'Hara Gilles,
O'Connor Kim,
Paradis JeanMichel,
Beaudoin Jonathan,
RodriguezGabella Tania,
Champagne Jean,
RodésCabau Josep
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
catheterization and cardiovascular interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.988
H-Index - 116
eISSN - 1522-726X
pISSN - 1522-1946
DOI - 10.1002/ccd.26870
Subject(s) - medicine , appendage , closure (psychology) , atrial appendage , cardiology , atrial fibrillation , anatomy , sinus rhythm , economics , market economy
Objectives We report the initial experience of percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure with the Ultraseal device. Background LAA closure is an alternative to oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and high risk of bleeding. The Ultraseal device is a new LAA closure prosthesis that consists of a distal soft bulb and a proximal sail attached by an articulating joint that allows a high degree of device conformability to the different variations of the LAA anatomy. Methods We included 12 consecutive patients with NVAF who underwent LAA closure with the Ultraseal device between January and December 2015 in our center. Patients had clinical and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examinations at baseline and at 45 days following LAA closure. Results The device was successfully implanted in all patients, with no periprocedural complications. There were no episodes of bleeding, stroke, pericardial effusion, or device embolization at 45‐day follow‐up. No cases with residual leaks >5 mm were observed at TEE. One patient presented a device related thrombus without clinical consequences. Conclusions This initial experience with the Ultraseal LAA closure device demonstrates preliminary safety and feasibility. Further larger studies with longer follow‐up are warranted. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.