Cardiac Computed Tomography for Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: Acquisition, Analysis, Advantages, and Limitations

Abstract

Transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion is increasingly used for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. The technique has proven effective and safe in randomized trials and multiple observational studies. The procedure is challenging due to the complex anatomy of the left atrial appendage; accurate cardiac imaging is essential for procedural guidance. Transesophageal echocardiography is the gold standard, but cardiac computed tomography (CT) has gained increasing interest within recent years. Cardiac CT offers high-resolution imaging allowing for preprocedural anatomic evaluation and device sizing, but may also be useful for exclusion of left atrial appendage thrombus, and follow-up assessment of residual peri-device leaks.

Keywords: Cardiac computed tomography; Device sizing; Left atrial appendage occlusion; Left atrial appendage thrombus; Peridevice leaks.