Background: We here report the first European experience with the novel LAmbre left atrial appendage (LAA) occluder, a self-expanding device consisting of an umbrella and a cover connected by a central waist.
Methods and results: A total of 60 patients (74.4 ± 8.3 years; 66.7% men; CHA2DS2-VASc: 4.0 ± 1.6, HAS-BLED score: 3.2 ± 1.3) with atrial fibrillation and contraindications to oral anticoagulation underwent left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with the LAmbre device at two German centers between November 2013 and September 2015. Device success defined as correct placement of the device was achieved in all patients (100%). Resizing of the device was necessary in 3 (5%) patients. Device-related complications included 2 (3.3%) pericardial effusions on day 8 and 33 after the index procedure requiring pericardiocentesis. Transesophageal echocardiography at 6 months showed complete sealing of the LAA (residual jet flow of <5 mm) in 51/54 (94.4%) patients. No device-related thrombus was documented. At 12 months transient ischemic attack was observed in 1 patient (1.6%) and minor bleeding in 3 patients (5%).
Conclusions: Although minimizing procedure-related complications remains challenging, LAAO with the LAmbre showed high device success and good mid-term performance regarding prevention of stroke and bleeding.
Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; LAmbre; Left atrial appendage occlusion; Stroke prophylaxis.
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