Background: Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and previous stroke have a significantly higher risk of stroke recurrence. This study aimed to examine the safety and efficacy of the LAmbre left atrial appendage occlusion device in NVAF patients with a history of stroke.
Methods: We examined 103 consecutive NVAF patients in 11 Chinese medical centers who had a history of stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIA) and underwent placement of the LAmbre device. Follow-up was conducted 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure. The primary endpoints were the incidence of new ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, TIA, systemic embolism, or cardiac death. Secondary endpoints were serious perioperative or device-related complications and cerebral, gastrointestinal, or other bleeding events requiring transfusion of at least 2 units of packed red blood cells.
Results: Mean patient age was 67.63 ± 7.14 years; mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4.72 ± 1.18 and mean HAS-BLED score was 1.90 ± 1.00. LAmbre device placement was successful in 101 patients (98.05%). Mean follow-up was 12.2 months. Five patients (4.95%) developed a new pericardial effusion after the procedure; none required treatment. Eighty-six patients (85.15%) exhibited no peri-device leak (PDL). However, 13 (12.8%) had a small (0-3 mm) PDL and two (2.3%) had a moderate PDL (3-5 mm). One recurrent stroke occurred during follow-up (1.1%). No other complications occurred.
Conclusions: This multicenter study shows the safety and efficacy of LAmbre left atrial appendage occlusion for NVAF patients with a history of stroke or TIA.
Keywords: atrial fibrillation; ischemic stroke; left atrial appendage occlusion; secondary stroke prevention.
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