Premium
Role of Echocardiography in Percutaneous Occlusion of the Left Atrial Appendage
Author(s) -
Mráz Tomáš,
Neužil Petr,
Mandysová Eva,
Niederle Petr,
Reddy Vivek Y.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
echocardiography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.404
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1540-8175
pISSN - 0742-2822
DOI - 10.1111/j.1540-8175.2007.00404.x
Subject(s) - appendage , cardiology , left atrial appendage occlusion , medicine , percutaneous , occlusion , atrial appendage , atrial fibrillation , anatomy , sinus rhythm , warfarin
Percutaneous occlusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is a modern alternative for the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and with a high risk of stroke who are not eligible for long‐term anticoagulation therapy. Echocardiography plays a significant role in selecting patients, guiding the procedure, and in the postprocedural follow‐up. Objectives and methods: To test the role of transesophagoeal echocardiography (TEE) and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) in facilitating and shortening the procedure. Results: ICE represents a more convenient approach in patients who are not under generally anesthesia and helps to facilitate transseptal puncture. On the other hand, TEE, having the ability to rotate the image plane, helps to better determine the position of the occluder. Conclusions: Echocardiographic guidance of this procedure is essential. Which approach will be preferred will depend on the development of these two methods.