Application of Transesophageal Echocardiography Assisted Thoracoscopic Left Atrial Appendage Clipping in Atrial Fibrillation Patients With High Risk of Stroke and Bleeding
Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of transesophageal echocardiography assisted thoracoscopic left atrial appendage clipping in atrial fibrillation patients with high risk of stroke and bleeding.Methods Clinical data of 14 atrial fibrillation patients with high risk of stroke and bleeding from November 2021 to May 2023 was retrospectively analyzed.All the patients had suffered from cerebral infarction.The CHA2DS2-VASc score was 3-7(mean,5.0±1.4)and the HAS-BLED score was 3-4(mean,3.3±0.5).The thoracoscopic surgery was performed with two ports.The left atrial appendage clipping was performed by using a domestically produced E-Clip left atrial appendage closure system,assisted by transesophageal echocardiography.Results All the operations were successfully performed.The mean operation time was(39.6±7.7)min,the mean drainage volume after operation was(80.4±37.1)ml,and the drainage tube was removed at(26.0±2.5)h after operation.All the 14 patients were followed up for 3-21 months,with a median of 8 months.Complete closure of the left atrial appendage without residual leakage and no thrombosis in the left atrium were confirmed by transthoracic echocardiography.No new cerebral infarction or bleeding lesions in the brain was detected by CT scanning.The electrocardiogram showed that 2 patients converted to sinus rhythm and 12 patients still maintained atrial fibrillation rhythm.Conclusions Transesophageal echocardiography assisted thoracoscopic left atrial appendage clipping can completely closure left atrial appendage and avoid new onset of stroke in atrial fibrillation patients with high risk of stroke and bleeding.It can also play a role in electrical isolation of left atrial appendage so as to cure atrial fibrillation in few patients.
Left atrial appendage clippingThoracoscopic surgeryTransesophageal echocardiographyAtrial fibrillationStrokeHigh bleeding risk