Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery atrial clipping for atrial fibrillation

Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann. 2016 May;24(4):372-4. doi: 10.1177/0218492314563086. Epub 2014 Dec 11.

Abstract

The majority of thrombi that arise due to atrial fibrillation occur in the left atrial appendage. Eliminating this cul-de-sac within the left atrium reduces the risk of stroke in these patients. We present a unique case of left atrial appendage occlusion performed via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, using an Atriclip to occlude the left atrial appendage in a patient with atrial fibrillation in whom anticoagulation was contraindicated due to a history of recurrent upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Keywords: 80 and over; Aged; atrial appendage; atrial fibrillation; echocardiography; surgical instruments; transesophageal.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anticoagulants
  • Atrial Appendage / diagnostic imaging
  • Atrial Appendage / physiopathology
  • Atrial Appendage / surgery*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / diagnosis
  • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / surgery*
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / instrumentation*
  • Contraindications
  • Echocardiography, Doppler, Color
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal
  • Equipment Design
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Surgical Instruments*
  • Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted / instrumentation*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anticoagulants