Role of echocardiography in percutaneous occlusion of the left atrial appendage.
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 post-procedural follow-up.


OBJECTIVE
To test the role of transesophageal 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.
Mráz
Tomás
T
Department of Cardiology, Hospital Na Homolce, Prague, Czech Republic. mrazt@seznam.cz
Neuzil
Petr
P
Mandysová
Eva
E
Niederle
Petr
P
Reddy
Vivek Y
VY
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020517:Atrial Appendage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000628:therapy*; D021721:Balloon Occlusion / Q000295:instrumentation; D003287:Contrast Media; D018618:Echocardiography, Doppler, Color; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003287:Contrast Media