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A-Fib Catheter Ablation Combined with Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Closure

Published February 28, 2022

In the People’s Republic of China (and other countries) catheter ablation for Atrial Fibrillation is often combined with closure of the Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) in one procedure. This means A-Fib patients can have a Watchman occlusion device installed at the same time as their catheter ablation.

While it may be common practice in some locales, there is limited research data on this combined procedure and, in particular, with patients with prior stroke. That’s why this study in China was conducted.

There is limited research data on this combined procedure and, in particular, with patients with prior stroke.

Aim of this Study: To compare the safety and efficacy of combined catheter ablation with closure of the Left Atrial Appendage (LAA), especially for A-Fib patients who have had a prior stroke.

Study Design: This retrospective study enrolled 296 patients who underwent combined procedures of A-Fib catheter ablation and LAAC. Patients were divided into two groups: 81 patients with prior stroke (Stroke group) and 215 patients without prior stroke (Control group).

Combined procedures were successfully performed in all the patients.

Follow-up Findings: The researchers followed-up with patients at a mean of 20 months.

Both the Stroke group and the Control group (without prior stroke) were relatively A-Fib free after catheter ablation. (Stroke group: 64.2%, the non-stroke control group: 68.4%).

The relative risk reductions in stroke and bleeding were around 80% in the stroke group and 62% in the control non-prior stroke group.

Conclusion: The researchers wrote: “The combination of catheter ablation and LAAC (Left Atrial Appendage Closure) is safe and effective in selected AF patients with prior stroke.”

Editor’s Comments

There are several limitations to this study. This is a single-center retrospective study with a moderate sample size.

Despite the limitations of this study, for A-Fib patients the combination of catheter ablation and Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) closure appears safe and effective.

Currently, U.S. patients have to wait 3 months after a catheter ablation to have a Watchman inserted. Why must patients wait, why endure months of anticoagulants usage? But, more research is needed to confirm the conclusions of these researchers.

Reference

Mo, B et al. Combined Catheter Ablation and Left Atrial Appendage Closure in Atrial Fibrillation Patients with and without Prior Stroke. Journal of Interventional Cardiology, Volume 2021, Article ID 2138670. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jitc/2021/2138670/ https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/2138670