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2020 AF Symposium Abstract
Combination Device to Both Electrically Isolate and Occlude the Left Atrial Appendage (LAA)
by Steve S. Ryan
Heart showing location of Left Atrial Appendage (LAA)
Researchers in this study described the Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) as the 5th Pulmonary Vein. It plays a similar role as the PVs in generating A-Fib signals, but is the source of many clots that lead to stroke. Currently implanting an LAA occlusion device is a stand-alone procedure.
How the AuriGen Combination Device Works
An abstract by AuriGen Medical described a study with dogs of a very innovative device which both closes off and electrically isolates the Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) in a one-shot procedure.
The AuriGen Ablation, Delivery and Occlusion System consists of an LAA implant which closes off the LAA with a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) membrane, and an RF Ablation System to circumferential ablate the ostium of the LAA with an RF electrical array. Once implanted, the catheter electrodes are removed through a self-closing access conduit, leaving the occluder in play.
On day 7, the dogs underwent surgery to open the chest (thoracotomy) and observed that the LAA occluder device hadn’t moved. This also indicated that the ablation may have resulted in permanent electrical isolation of the LAA.
Editor’s Comments:
One can’t help but admire how A-Fib researchers and device manufacturers are developing innovative devices to improve A-Fib patient treatment.
From a patient’s perspective, it’s important that doctors and researchers recognize the importance of the LAA as a source of A-Fib signals (potentials). It seems to me that all too many EPs either ignore or put a low priority on mapping and ablating the LAA. Whereas other EPs such as Dr. Andrea Natale, after ablating the PVs, then focus on the LAA before examining any other areas of the heart. They recognize that the LAA often plays a major role in triggering A-Fib signals
Brilliant Idea to Combine LAA Closure with Electrical Isolation: The AuriGen combination occluder/LAA ablation device probably won’t be used in simple, recent onset, paroxysmal A-Fib cases because just isolating the PVs is usually enough to return patients to normal sinus rhythm (NSR).
Instead, the AuriGen combination device would be very useful in more complex cases where patients have had A-Fib for longer periods or who are more at risk of developing LAA clots. The AuriGen device can both close off and isolate the LAA in one procedure.
Practical Use by EPs: It’s is a long way from being available for A-Fib patients.
When and if the AuriGen device becomes available for patients, in practice EPs will probably first do a PVI to isolate the PVs, then proceed to use the AuriGen combination device to close off and isolate the LAA in the same procedure.
This will increase the effectiveness of ablation particularly in cases of persistent A-Fib. And, more importantly for patients, both procedures can be done at the same time.
If you find any errors on this page, email us. Y Last updated: Wednesday, August 26, 2020
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