Does 3D TEE improve the characterization of peri-device leaks in patients with LAAO devices?
3D TEE imaging should be added to routine implantation and monitoring of LAAO devices to better characterize peri-device leaks and assess thromboembolic risks.
3D TEE is useful in distinguishing punctate leaks from crescentic leaks and highlights the fact that leaks cannot be assumed to be uniform in morphology. Given the elevated thromboembolic risks with PDLs, it is reasonable to add 3D TEE imaging to the routine implantation and monitoring of LAAO devices.
Biscardi et al. (Sat,) studied this question.