OBJECTIVES The efficacy of left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion using the Transcatheter Patch (TP) (Custom Medical Devices, Athens, Greece) in conjunction with surgical adhesives was assessed. BACKGROUND The TP is a bioabsorbable device that can be adjusted for the shape and size of the LAA without the risk of perforation. It is attached by a surgical adhesive and is released in 45 min. ME...

To compare the diagnostic yields of transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiography in the detection of potential cardiac sources of embolism, 63 patients (mean +/- SD age 63 +/- 15 [range 18-87] years) with transient ischemic attacks or stroke underwent both procedures. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a potential cardiac source of embolism in 14% (nine) of the patients, all of whom ...

Pulmonary venous blood flow (PVF) visualized by Doppler echocardiography exhibits a pulsatile behavior, which is related to left atrial pressure and function, mitral valve function, and left ventricular compliance. In atrial fibrillation (AF), the disappearance of atrial reverse flow, a decrease in systolic flow with a greater diastolic than systolic flow, a prolonged onset of systolic flow and...

Response by Panikker et al to Letter Regarding Article, “Left Atrial Appendage Electrical Isolation and Concomitant Device Occlusion to Treat Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: A First-inHuman Safety, Feasibility, and Efficacy Study” In Response: We thank Vroomen et al for their letter detailing the benefits of hybrid atrial fibrillation ablation, involving thoracoscopic epicardial ablation combin...

Objective Mechanisms of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation remain controversy. This study aimed to investigate the impact of PVI on vagal modulation to atria. Methods Eighteen adult mongrel dogs under general anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups. Bilateral cervical sympathovagal trunks were decentralized and sympathetic effects was blocked by metoprolol administr...

An 81-year-old woman with permanent atrial fibrillation (CHA2DS2-VASc score=5) was referred for left atrial appendage (LAA) closure. She had a history of hypertension, stage IV chronic kidney disease and chronic anemia, secondary to gastrointestinal bleeding (HAS-BLED score=3). Percutaneous LAA closure with a 22 mm firstgeneration device (Amplatzer Cardiac Plug [ACP]) was performed (Figure 1A, ...

RATIONALE Data on nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant being used for the treatment of LAA thrombi are limited only in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. There are no data on the antithrombotic efficacy and safety of nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant in the resolution of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombi in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis. PATIENT CONCERNS A 49-year-old...

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia and is associated with significant risks of thromboembolism, stroke, congestive heart failure, and death. There have been major advances in the management of atrial fibrillation including pharmacologic therapies, antithrombotic therapies, and ablation techniques. Surgery for atrial fibrillation, including both concomitant and stand-alo...

Emerging evidence suggests a link between atrial fibrillation and subsequent development of dementia. While a majority of risk can be attributed to cardioembolic stroke secondary to atrial fibrillation, additional risk is apparent, and may be driven by vascular inflammation and changes in cerebral perfusion. Medical therapies including anticoagulation, statin therapy, and angiotensin-renin-aldo...