Open AccessUtilization of the transgastric view of the left atrial appendange for procedural guidance during left atrial appendage clip via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery
Author(s) -
McKenzie Hollon,
Abimbola Faloye
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of cardiovascular echography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.255
H-Index - 8
eISSN - 2347-193X
pISSN - 2211-4122
DOI - 10.4103/jcecho.jcecho_45_20
Subject(s) - medicine , atrial fibrillation , appendage , atrial appendage , thrombus , thoracoscopy , transesophageal echocardiogram , cardiology , cardiac surgery , surgery , sinus rhythm , anatomy
Left atrial appendage (LAA) ligation is procedure which isolates the LAA and can decrease the risk of thrombus and arrhythmias in patients with atrial fibrillation, allowing patients to come off home anticoagulation medications. This procedure can be done through minimally invasive thoracoscopic surgery and requires guidance by transesophageal echocardiography. Visualization of the LAA and associated intrathoracic structures is vital for the success of the procedure. This echo rounds report describes an under-utilized method for LAA assessment to encourage cardiac anesthesiologists to consider employing it to increase their ability to completely evaluate the LAA.