title: Left atrial appendage electrical isolation and concomitant device occlusion: A safety and feasibility study with histologic characterization.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Left atrial appendage (LAA) electrical isolation is reported to improve atrial fibrillation ablation outcomes. However, loss of mechanical function may increase thromboembolic risk.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of LAA occlusion after electrical isolation in a canine model.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine canines underwent LAA isolation with irrigated radiofrequency ablation after pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. Entrance and exit block were confirmed with intravenous adenosine after 30 minutes. The LAA was then occluded with a Watchman device. Device position was assessed at 10 days by using transthoracic echocardiography. At 45 days, LAA isolation was assessed epicardially. Hearts were then examined macroscopically and histologically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All 36 PVs and 8 of 9 LAAs (89%) were electrically isolated. Acute LAA reconnection occurred in 4 of 8 LAAs (50%). All were reisolated. The mean ablation time was 51 ± 19 minutes, including 24 ± 18 minutes for LAA isolation. LAA occlusion was successful in all cases. One animal died of a primary intracranial bleed due to anticoagulant hypersensitivity 36 hours after the procedure. Transthoracic echocardiography at 10 days confirmed satisfactory device positions and no pericardial effusion. At 45 days, 7 of 8 (88%) had persistent LAA electrical isolation. All devices were stable without evidence of erosion. Microscopy revealed complete device-tissue apposition and a mature connective tissue layer overlying the device surface in all cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LAA electrical isolation and mechanical occlusion can be performed concomitantly in this animal model, with no displacement or mechanical erosion of the appendage at 45 days. This technique can potentially improve success rates and obviate the need for chronic anticoagulation. Future studies should address efficacy, safety, and feasibility in humans.
authors.affiliation: Heart Rhythm Centre, NIHR Cardiovascular Research Unit, Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals and National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Sandeep
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Panikker
authors.affiliation: CV Path, Gaithersburg, Maryland.
authors.forename: Renu
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Virmani
authors.affiliation: CV Path, Gaithersburg, Maryland.
authors.forename: Kenichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sakakura
authors.affiliation: CV Path, Gaithersburg, Maryland.
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kolodgie
authors.affiliation: Heart Rhythm Centre, NIHR Cardiovascular Research Unit, Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals and National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Darrel P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Francis
authors.affiliation: Heart Rhythm Centre, NIHR Cardiovascular Research Unit, Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals and National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Vias
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Markides
authors.affiliation: University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
authors.forename: Greg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Walcott
authors.affiliation: University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
authors.forename: H Tom
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: McElderry
authors.affiliation: Heart Rhythm Centre, NIHR Cardiovascular Research Unit, Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals and National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom. Electronic address: tom.wong@imperial.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D020517:Atrial Appendage / Q000601:surgery*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004285:Dogs; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D008297:Male; D011667:Pulmonary Veins
keywords: Anticoagulation; Atrial fibrillation; Catheter ablation; Left atrial appendage; Occlusion; Thromboembolism