Recanalization of the left atrial appendage demonstrated by transesophageal echocardiography.
Closure of the fibrillating left atrial appendage has been recommended during mitral valve operations to help prevent thrombus formation and systemic embolization postoperatively. We report recanalization of the appendage orifice in 6 patients after surgical closure by pursestring suturing at the time of mitral valve replacement. Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated disruption of the closure line and partial recanalization of the sutured orifice with relatively high velocity flow between the left atrial body and the appendage.
Lynch
M
M
Department of Medicine, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.
Shanewise
J S
JS
Chang
G L
GL
Martin
R P
RP
Clements
S D
SD
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D005260:Female; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008943:Mitral Valve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008944:Mitral Valve Insufficiency / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012086:Reoperation; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control