title: --LAA Occluder View for post-implantation Evaluation (LOVE)--standardized imaging proposal evaluating implanted left atrial appendage occlusion devices by cardiac computed tomography.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A standardized imaging proposal evaluating implanted left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion devices by cardiac computed tomography angiography (cCTA) has never been investigated.
  
  
  METHODS
  cCTA datasets were acquired on a 3(rd) generation dual-source CT system and reconstructed with a slice thickness of 0.5 mm. An interdisciplinary evaluation was performed by two interventional cardiologists and one radiologist on a 3D multi-planar workstation. A standardized multi-planar reconstruction algorithm was developed in order to assess relevant clinical aspects of implanted LAA occlusion devices being outlined within a pictorial essay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The following clinical aspects of implanted LAA occlusion devices were evaluated within the most appropriate cCTA multi-planar reconstruction: (1) topography to neighboring structures, (2) peri-device leaks, (3) coverage of LAA lobes, (4) indirect signs of neo-endothelialization. These are illustrated within concise CT imaging examples emphasizing the potential value of the proposed cCTA imaging algorithm: Starting from anatomical cCTA planes and stepwise angulation planes perpendicular to the base of the LAA devices generates an optimal LAA Occluder View for post-implantation Evaluation (LOVE). Aligned true axial, sagittal and coronal LOVE planes offer a standardized and detailed evaluation of LAA occlusion devices after percutaneous implantation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This pictorial essay presents a standardized imaging proposal by cCTA using multi-planar reconstructions that enables systematical follow-up and comparison of patients after LAA occlusion device implantation.
authors.affiliation: First Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Mannheim, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany. michael.behnes@umm.de.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Behnes
authors.affiliation: First Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Mannheim, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
authors.forename: Ibrahim
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Akin
authors.affiliation: First Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Mannheim, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sartorius
authors.affiliation: First Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Mannheim, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fastner
authors.affiliation: First Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Mannheim, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
authors.forename: Ibrahim
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: El-Battrawy
authors.affiliation: First Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Mannheim, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Borggrefe
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Mannheim, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
authors.forename: Holger
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Haubenreisser
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Mannheim, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
authors.forename: Mathias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Mannheim, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
authors.forename: Stefan O
authors.initials: SO
authors.lastname: Schoenberg
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Mannheim, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Henzler
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D020517:Atrial Appendage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000592:standards*; D055989:Septal Occluder Device; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000592:standards
keywords: Cardiac CTA; LAA occluder; LAA occlusion device; Lobe coverage; Neo-endothelialization; Peri-device leak; Thrombus