The application of real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in percutaneous left atrial appendage closure / 中华超声影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the application of real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT-3D TEE)in left atrial appendage (LAA)closure.Methods After excluding valvular disease,21 of 36 atrial fibrillation (AF)patients suffered the percutaneous LAA closure were chosen to measure left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)and to observe if the thrombus or the cloudiness echo will occur.The multiple planner reconstruction function was applied to rebuild sections and to observe the LAA anatomical morphology and its internal structure.During operation,the Flexi Slice function was used to measure the dimensions of LAA ostium,RT-3D mode was used to monitor sheath transport and closure device release,and to immediately evaluate the effect of blocking and complications after the operation. Results The exam before the closure procedure showed 5 of 36 patients' left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)<40% and one or more thrombus or the cloudiness echo were found in other 10 patients' which were thus excluded from the study.RT-3D TEE examination in the 21 patients revealed 8 single-lobe cases, 8 double-lobes cases and 5 patients with multi-lobe.Two patients of them need a special device.The maximum dimensions of LAA ostium was (22.24±4.35)mm,the fixed plate size of conventional LAmbreTM device was (28.26±5.23)mm.All patients choiced an average (1 .1 ±0.30)closure device and get the best sealing effect evaluated by RT-3D TEE immediately after operation,10 cases of them has about 1 -3 mm residual leakage exist around the closure.None of the patients with a new pericardial effusion and cardiac tapenade,no closure shift and embolism events.Conclusions RT-3D TEE can real-time and dynamically observe LAA anatomical morphology and its internal structure,compared with other imaging techniques, RT-3D TEE has irreplaceable advantages in the percutaneous LAA closure.