Echocardiographic Guidance of AMPLATZER Amulet Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Device Placement

Semin Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2019 Jun;23(2):248-255. doi: 10.1177/1089253218758463. Epub 2018 Feb 27.

Abstract

In this report, we provided details of periprocedural echocardiographic guidance for patients undergoing Amplatzer-Amulet device left atrial closure. Familiarity with left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion devices and the required left atrial examination and measurements are key before device placement. Device placement is assisted by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and fluoroscopy, but TEE will be the main guide for patients with renal insufficiency in whom contrast dye use needs to be minimal. TEE is also used to confirm LAA occlusion with the device and finally detect complications throughout the procedure and into the postoperative period.

Keywords: Amulet-AMPLATZER device; atrial fibrillation; intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography; left atrial occlusion device; structural heart program.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Atrial Appendage / diagnostic imaging
  • Atrial Appendage / surgery*
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal / methods*
  • Female
  • Fluoroscopy / methods
  • Humans
  • Septal Occluder Device*