Presentation
Past history of atrial fibrillation, treated with cardiac device. Now acute shortness of breath and possible pulmonary embolism.
Patient Data
Metallic cage-like device within the left atrial appendage. It has occluded the appendage as no contrast is seen within it as compared with the remaining left atrium.
Case Discussion
As an alternative treatment to long term Warfarin in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation, this device fills the neck of the appendage and blocks the left atrial appendage to reduce the risk of clot embolization to the brain (ie stroke). It comprises an expanding nitinol cage with anchors attached to the wall of the appendage that is covered in a membrane of polyethylene to trap any clot within the appendage. Eventually the appendage "clots off" behind this membrane-covered cage.
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