Zero-fluoroscopy approach to left atrial appendage closure using intracardiac echo guidance.

BACKGROUND

Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) with the Watchman™ device is typically performed with the use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and fluoroscopy. LAAC guided by intracardiac echo (ICE) without the use of fluoroscopy has not been previously described.

OBJECTIVE

In this series, we describe the safety and feasibility of Watchman™ implantation using only ICE imaging and without the use of fluoroscopy.

METHODS

214 patients undergoing LAAC with the Watchman FLX™ or Watchman FLX™ Pro device and using a planned fluoroscopy-free approach were studied. ICE was used for echocardiographic imaging in all cases. TEE was not used in any cases. Fluoroscopy was used as a bail-out approach when it was felt to be clinically necessary by the operator. Peri-procedural, 45-day, and 1-year efficacy and safety outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

In 203/214 patients (94.8%), LAAC was completed without the use of fluoroscopy. Bail-out fluoroscopy was required in 11/214 patients (5.1%). Successful device implantation was completed in 212/214 patients (99.1%). The rate of any peri-device leak at 45 days post-procedure was 11.6%. Procedural complications were limited to one pericardial effusion and one case of ventricular tachycardia.

CONCLUSION

LAAC with the Watchman™ device using ICE imaging and without the use of fluoroscopy appears to be safe and effective. The rates of procedural success, complications, and peri-device leaks on 45 day follow up were consistent with that seen in pivotal clinical trials. Further studies are needed to assess the broader applicability of this technique.