title: Implantation of the AMPLATZER™ Cardiac Plug: tips and tricks.
abstract: The AMPLATZER™ Cardiac Plug device is designed for percutaneous occlusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) for stroke prophylaxis in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who are contraindicated or intolerant to oral anticoagulation. While updated guidelines start to refer to this therapy (Camm A, Eur Heart J, doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehs253, 2012) and operators gain experience with this relatively new technique, continuing efforts are focused on maximizing the safety of the implantation procedure. This paper is aimed at explaining and illustrating the distinct steps and specific considerations related to the implantation of the AMPLATZER™ Cardiac Plug.
authors.affiliation: I. Med. Abteilung, Kardiologie, Internistische Intensivmedizin, Asklepios Klinik Hamburg Harburg, Eißendorfer Pferdeweg 52, Hamburg, Germany. j.park@asklepios.com
authors.forename: Jai-Wun
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Park
mesh_terms: D020517:Atrial Appendage / Q000601:surgery*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D055989:Septal Occluder Device; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome