Study of clinical profile and left atrial/left atrial appendage function in atrial fibrillation

A Semi-Automated Algorithm for Segmentation of the Left Atrial Appendage Landing Zone: Application in Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Procedures

Background: Mechanical occlusion of the Left atrial appendage (LAA) using a purpose-built device has emerged as an effective prophylactic treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation at risk of stroke and a contraindication for anticoagulation. A crucial step in procedural planning is the choice of the device size. This is currently based on the manual analysis of the “Device Landing Zone” fr...

Complex left atrial appendage morphology and left atrial appendage thrombus formation in patients with atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), most thrombus forms in the left atrial appendage (LAA). However, the relation of LAA morphology with LAA thrombus is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS We prospectively enrolled 633 consecutive patients who were candidates for catheter ablation for symptomatic drug-resistant AF. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed to assess LAA ...

Relationship between left atrial appendage function and left atrial thrombus in patients with nonvalvular chronic atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.

The relationship between the left atrial appendage (LAA) function, as assessed by transesophageal echocardiography, and the incidence of left atrial thrombus was evaluated in 62 patients with nonvalvular chronic atrial fibrillation (AF; n=50) and atrial flutter (AFL; n=12). It was hypothesized that in both AF and AFL not only the LAA flow velocity (LAAFV), but also the frequency of the LAA move...

Mitral Regurgitation and Atrial Fibrillation: The Contribution of Impaired Left Atrial Appendage Function to Atrial Thrombogenesis

Assessment of left atrial and left atrial appendage flow and stasis in atrial fibrillation

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased risk of stroke due to development of left atrial (LA) thrombus [1]. Thromboembolic risk is assessed by clinical risk scores (CHA2DS2-VASc). However, these scores have limited predictive value. Echocardiography studies have shown that physiologic factors such as decreased atrial blood flow and increased stasis (LA velocities <0.2m/...