VIDEO: Advances in left atrial appendage occlusion technology

She discusses the two FDA cleared LAA occlusion (LAAO) devices, the Boston Scientific Watchman FLX and the Abbott Amulet, and new devices in development or already in trials. These include the CLAAS Conformal, Laminar, LAmbre and devices that may combine ablation with LAAO. 

Nair also discusses use of CT imaging to help size and preplan the LAA closure procedures and how transesophageal echo (TEE) and now 3D/4D intra-cardioac echo (ICE) can play a role in procedure guidance.

LAAO is a device implant to close the LAA in select atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients so they can reduce or no longer take anticoagulation drugs or other blood thinners. LAAO is often considered in patients at high risk for bleeding.

Read more in the LAA occlusion update article from TVT 2022 — New LAA occluder technology and the debate on echo vs. CT image guidance
 

Related LAAO Content:

Amulet vs. Watchman: LAA occluder devices compared in new head-to-head trial

Abbott’s LAA closure solution for AFib patients gains FDA approval

What peridevice leaks after LAAO mean for patient health

Key interventional cardiology takeaways from ACC.22

LAAO outcomes significantly worse among women

Confirmed: Watchman FLX LAAC device safe for nonvalvular AFib patients

Cardiologist makes history, completes LAAO with new 3D ICE catheter

Dave Fornell is a digital editor with Cardiovascular Business and Radiology Business magazines. He has been covering healthcare for more than 16 years.

Dave Fornell has covered healthcare for more than 17 years, with a focus in cardiology and radiology. Fornell is a 5-time winner of a Jesse H. Neal Award, the most prestigious editorial honors in the field of specialized journalism. The wins included best technical content, best use of social media and best COVID-19 coverage. Fornell was also a three-time Neal finalist for best range of work by a single author. He produces more than 100 editorial videos each year, most of them interviews with key opinion leaders in medicine. He also writes technical articles, covers key trends, conducts video hospital site visits, and is very involved with social media. E-mail: dfornell@innovatehealthcare.com

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