Occlusion of canine atrial appendage using an expandable silicone band.

Objective: Because the left atrial appendage is thought to be a major source of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, a new device and technique were developed for thoracoscopic isolation of the left atrial appendage.

Methods: The left and right atrial appendages were approached from an 11.5-mm port in the left thorax in 15 canines.