Percutaneous isolation of left atrial appendage thrombus

Abstract

Most physicians regard left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus as a contraindication for LAA occlusion due to risk of distal embolization which is a serious complication. Here we report a case of successfully implanted Amplazter cardiac plug without complication in elderly patients having LAA thrombus with recurrent embolic events despite oral anticoagulants for prevention of thromboembolic events. <Learning objective: LAA thrombus is not completely resolved in all cases and can be a potential source of stroke or embolization even during anti-coagulation. We would like to share a case that suffered from 6 strokes or embolizations despite anti-coagulation, warfarin or non-vitamin K antagonist oral anti-coagulants due to incomplete resolution of LAA thrombus. In this clinical situation, we can suggest LAA occlusion to isolate thrombus from LA and prevent further stroke or embolization.