Embolization of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure devices: timing, management and clinical outcomes

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Left atrial appendage (LAA) occluder embolization is an infrequent but serious complication. Objectives: We aim to describe timing, management and clinical outcomes of device embolization in a multi-center registry. Methods: Patient characteristics, imaging findings and procedure and follow-up data were collected retrospectively. Device embolizations were categorized according to 1) timing 2) management and 3) clinical outcomes. Results: Sixty-seven centers contributed data. Device embolization occurred in 108 patients. In 70.4 % of cases, it happened within the first 24 h of the procedure. The device was purposefully left in the LA and the aorta in two (1.9 %) patients, an initial percutaneous retrieval was attempted in 81 (75.0 %) and surgery without prior percutaneous retrieval attempt was performed in 23 (21.3 %) patients. Two patients died before a retrieval attempt could be made. In 28/81 (34.6 %) patients with an initial percutaneous retrieval attempt a second, additional attempt was performed, which was associated with a high mortality (death in patients with one attempt: 2.9 % vs. second attempt: 21.4 %, p < 0.001). The primary outcome (bailout surgery, cardiogenic shock, stroke, TIA, and/or death) occurred in 47 (43.5 %) patients. Other major complications related to device embolization occurred in 21 (19.4 %) patients. Conclusions: The majority of device embolizations after LAA closure occurs early. A percutaneous approach is often the preferred method for a first rescue attempt. Major adverse event rates, including death, are high particularly if the first retrieval attempt was unsuccessful. Condensed abstract: This dedicated multicenter registry examined timing, management, and clinical outcome of device embolization. Early embolization (70.4 %) was most frequent. As a first rescue attempt, percutaneous retrieval was preferred in 75.0 %, followed by surgical removal (21.3 %). In patients with a second retrieval attempt a higher mortality (death first attempt: 2.9 % vs. death second attempt: 24.1 %, p < 0.001) was observed. Mortality (10.2 %) and the major complication rate after device embolization were high.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)7-14
Number of pages8
Journal Cardiovascular revascularization medicine : CRM
Volume64
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85186995005
Mendeley a444b18c-b2e2-3252-9366-3a0161c222ef

Keywords

Keywords

  • Atrial fibrillation, Device embolization, Left atrial appendage closure, Occluder embolization, Retrieval strategy, Stroke prevention