Long-Term Outcomes of LAA Contrast Flow in CT Scans After Endocardial LAA Closure: The CF-CT Registry

Although the clinical significance of long-term left atrial appendage contrast flow (LAA-CF) in computerized tomography (CT) scan is unknown, study by Lim et al reported that 45 days are not enough for complete left atrial appendage (LAA) seal-off after left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in humans and anatomic closure may not necessarily ensure treatment success. Long-term monitoring is warranted in high-risk patients with LAAO after switching from anticoagulation to antiplatelet therapy. They reported possible explanations for residual LAA-CF after LAAO to be related to peri-device gaps, incomplete endothelialization on the device surface, an off-axis device, fabric leak through the non-endothelialized portion of the device.

To this date no studies or registries exist on long term follow up and association of Left Atrial Appendage Contrast Flow (LAA-CF). In this study with two FDA approved devices (Watchman/Watchman FLX and Amplatzer Amulet), it is hypothesized that the LAA contrast-flow (CF) rate is related to lack of endothelization of the implanted devices and potentially associated with peri-device leaks (PDLs), device related thrombosis (DRT).