Objective: To describe percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAc) in a patient with recurrent gastric ulcer bleeding with the help of the TrueFusion™ fusion-imaging system.
Method and results: In a patient with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, the need for an effective oral anticoagulation and recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding, left atrial appendage closure (LAAc) was performed under guidance of the TrueFusion™ fusion-imaging technology (Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany) to enhance procedural precision, save radiation time and contrast dye. Left atrial appendage closure was performed with the use of a 20 mm Amplatzer Amulet™ (Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, IL, USA) using the TrueFusion™ system under mild sedation with minimal use of contrast. Intraprocedural transesophageal echocardiography revealed complete LAA occlusion without residual flow. The patient was uneventfully discharged on the second postoperative day.
Conclusion: LAAc using an integrated approach combining ultrasound and live fluoroscopy, as provided by the TrueFusion™, is safe and feasible. Target-oriented device navigation and synchronized image orientation as provided by fusion imaging may potentially be beneficial regarding radiation time, contrast dye and periprocedural risk of suboptimal device positioning.
Keywords: Anticoagulation; LAA; Left atrial appendage closure; Stroke.