Applications designed to successfully implant in challenging left atrial appendage occlusion cases: a new tool for the interventional cardiologist.

An 85-year-old patient with permanent atrial fibrillation with a DDD pacemaker, and with indication for left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). Sent for LAAO due to recurrent gastrointestinal bleedings even on apixaban and with a CHA 2 DS 2 VASc and HAS-BLED scores of 4 and 3 respectively.

Unusual cause of central aortic prosthetic regurgitation during transcatheter replacement.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an increasingly common procedure for the treatment of aortic stenosis in elderly patients with comorbidities that prevent the use of standard surgery. It has been shown that implantation without aortic regurgitation is related to lower mortality. Mild paravalvular regurgitation is inevitable in some cases due to calcification of the aortic annulus and its usually somewhat elliptical shape.

Imaging Evaluation of Tricuspid Valve: Analysis of Morphology and Function With CT and MRI.

Objective: In this article we show the morphologic detail of the tricuspid valve (TV) apparatus and discuss the spectrum of diagnostic information that CT and MRI can provide regarding pathologic processes. We also compare the strengths and limitations of these modalities with currently established echocardiographic diagnostic parameters.

Conclusion: The TV plays an important role in a number of pathologic states, and its abnormality can directly or indirectly influence morbidity and mortality in different cardiac disorders.

Comparison of imaging techniques to assess appendage anatomy and measurements for left atrial appendage closure device selection.

Background: The adequate device size selection for left atrial appendage closure is crucial to ensuring adequate implantation and for avoiding the need for multiple attempts that increase the risk of complications. Our aim was to evaluate the information obtained using different imaging techniques to select the size of the closure device in a clinical environment.

Methods: Thirty-seven patients who consecutively underwent implantation of Amplatzer cardiac plug (ACP) devices were studied.

Anatomical classification of left atrial appendages in specimens applicable to CT imaging techniques for implantation of amplatzer cardiac plug.

Background: Certain anatomical characteristics of the left atrial appendage (LAA) are associated with complexity in the implantation of occluder devices.

Objective: The aim was to define characteristics measurable by three-dimensional imaging that would predict complexities both in the implantation procedure and the selection of the appropriate device size.

Methods: An anatomical study was performed of 50 postmortem hearts, of which 15 had a history of atrial fibrillation, and of 30 consecutive patients undergoing LAA occlusion with the Amplatzer cardiac plug (ACP).

Immediate and one-year results in 35 consecutive patients after closure of left atrial appendage with the Amplatzer cardiac plug.

Introduction And Objectives: Left atrial appendage closure can be an attractive option for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and a contraindication to oral anticoagulants, provided that satisfactory results can be achieved during implantation and follow-up.

Methods: Thirty-five consecutive patients, not eligible for randomized trials with oral anticoagulants, had an Amplatzer occlusion device implanted under general anesthesia. After the first 5 patients, 3-dimensional imaging was incorporated.