New approach to left atrial appendage occlusion

When Watchman or Amulet can’t solve the problem, this just might

A group of Norton Healthcare physicians is using a novel approach to mitral valve repair. Research has shown that many patients with suture-based left atrial appendage surgical ligation have incomplete closure that puts them at risk for thromboembolic events. Closure of the LAA, either via percutaneous or surgical methods, could decrease risk. Thrombi typically arise in the left atrial appendage (LAA), so anticoagulation approaches alone are insufficient.

Refer a patient

To refer a patient to the Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Structural Heart Program, visit Norton Epic Link and choose Epic Link referral to Structural Heart Program

Refer online


Call (888) 4-U-Norton / (888) 486-6786

Sometimes commercially available devices are not applicable to these situations, so other accommodations must be made. Daniel P. Rothschild, M.D., interventional/structural cardiologist, tweeted a step-by-step series demonstrating a new method on a patient (with the patient’s permission). Daniel S. Stewart, M.D., interventional/structural cardiologist, and Steven M. Peterson, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon, co-authored a PCRonline.com piece on the topic with Dr. Rothschild.

The procedure was performed on a 76-year-old female whose prior mitral valve repair had an incomplete ligation of the left atrial appendage. After a spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma, she was referred for closure. The approach to closure is described in further detail and with visuals in the article and in the Twitter thread. The patient was discharged the following day.

Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Structural Heart Program provides comprehensive suite of surgical procedures. The program features dedicated nurse navigation and a multidisciplinary team that includes interventional cardiology, electrophysiology and cardiothoracic surgery to create a custom care plan for each patient.

 

Patient story is shared with permission.


Get Our Monthly Newsletter

Stay informed on the latest offerings and treatments available at Norton Healthcare by subscribing to our monthly enewsletter.

Subscribe

Make a Referral

Partnering with you in caring for your patients.

Refer a Patient
Are You a Patient?
Provider Spotlight

Kendall M. Wasz, PA-C

Kendall M. Wasz, PA-C, brings compassion and empathy to her dementia care practice.

Read More

Search our entire site.