title: Cardiac computed tomography follow-up of left atrial appendage exclusion using the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug device.
abstract: Functional exclusion of the left atrial appendage using transcatheter devices has been developed as an alternative therapy for atrial fibrillation in patients for whom formal anticoagulation is contraindicated. Noninvasive follow-up imaging of these devices is desirable. Transthoracic echocardiography has limitations due to field of view, limited available imaging windows, and metallic shadowing. Cardiac computed tomography has superior image resolution for determining device position and has the added capacity to noninvasively assess when exclusion of the appendage has occurred. This imaging technique is demonstrated in 2 cases of left atrial appendage closure using the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (AGA Medical Corp, Plymouth, MN).
authors: Division of Cardiology, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
authors: Rohan S
authors: RS
authors: Poulter
authors: Jonathon
authors: J
authors: Tang
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Jue
authors: Reda
authors: R
authors: Ibrahim
authors: Savvas
authors: S
authors: Nicolaou
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Mayo
authors: Jacqueline
authors: J
authors: Saw
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020517:Atrial Appendage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D055989:Septal Occluder Device; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*