Key result
Robotic LAAO shows optimal real-world stroke prevention outcomes in high-risk patients.
Why the study?
Robotic left atrial appendage occlusion using an epicardial clip is a novel approach with limited real-world data on outcomes.
Does robotic-assisted left atrial appendage occlusion using an epicardial clip safely prevent stroke and achieve appendage exclusion?
Observational (n=28)
Does robotic-assisted left atrial appendage occlusion using an epicardial clip safely prevent stroke and achieve appendage exclusion?
Robotic-assisted epicardial left atrial appendage occlusion demonstrates high procedural success and safety, with excellent early stroke prevention outcomes.
Supports robotic LAAO in high-risk patients; extends real-world evidence but leaves open need for randomized confirmation.
OBJECTIVE: We report our initial cases of robotic left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) device deployment. METHODS: From June 2021 to December 2024, all consecutive patients undergoing robotic-assisted LAAO (isolated or with robotic-assisted CABG) using an epicardial clip were enroled. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB 45CFR164.512). RESULTS: A total of 28 patients were included, 22 of which underwent a concomitant CABG. Transesophageal echocardiogram confirmed excellent exclusion of the LA appendage in all but one patient. There were no postoperative strokes, myocardial infarctions, reoperation for bleeding, unplanned revascularisation, or deaths. At a median of 1.4 [0.9-1.8] years, there was 1 non-cardiac mortality (cancer) and 1 stroke. Nine (32.1%) patients were off OAC, while 21 (75.0%) were off class I-III antiarrhythmic drugs. CONCLUSIONS: These early results show optimal stroke prevention outcomes, considering the high-risk level of the patients. Longer follow-up is warranted to confirm these outcomes.
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Baudo et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Patients undergoing robotic-assisted LAAO (n=28). Robotic-assisted left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) using an epicardial clip was evaluated on Postoperative and mid-term clinical outcomes (stroke, mortality, myocardial infarction, reoperation). Robotic-assisted left atrial appendage occlusion using an epicardial clip in 28 patients resulted in no postoperative strokes or deaths, and 1 stroke over a median follow-up of 1.4 years.
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