Cardiology patient page: device interventions for stroke prevention 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...

Left Atrial Appendage Closure as an Alternative to Warfarin for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation: A Patient-Level Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND The risk-benefit ratio of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) versus systemic therapy (warfarin) for prevention of stroke, systemic embolism, and cardiovascular death in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) requires continued evaluation. OBJECTIVES This study sought to assess composite data regarding left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) in 2 randomized trials compared to warfari...

New device for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation as an alternative to anticoagulation drugs.

Increased IL-17A in Atrial Fibrillation Correlates with Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio

Background: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and an independent risk factor for stroke among the elderly. A role for inflammation in the atrial remodeling as well as development and recurrence of AF is known. Objective: To compare IL-17A between patients with different types of AF and healthy individuals. Methods: IL-17A was measured in sera of 112 patients and 107...

Left atrial appendage occlusion with the Amplatzer Amulet for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: the first case in Greece.

Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion has been introduced into clinical practice as a valuable alternative to oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. In this case presentation we describe the first LAA occlusion in Greece using the Amplatzer Amulet device. We also briefly discuss issues related to procedural safety and multimodality imaging ...