Does left atrial appendage occlusion influence left atrial hemodynamics? Pilot results of invasive intra-cardiac measurements

Introduction Although left atrial appendage (LAA) obliteration is the cornerstone of stroke prevention in surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), little is known about its direct impact on hemodynamics. In the current pilot study, we evaluated the hemodynamic effect of LAA closure by clipping in patients undergoing hybrid AF ablation. Methods Seven patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF were included. Hemodynamic and intracardiac pressure measurements such as systemic, pulmonary artery (PA), central venous and LA pressure, cardiac output and indexed left ventricular stroke volume (LVSVi) were measured directly before (T0) and after (T1), and 10 minutes after (T2) LAA closure. Results Of the 7 patients (median 66 yrs), 5 were in AF at the time of incision. There were no differences between T0 and T1, T1 and T2 and T0 and T2 for LA pressure, mean PA pressure, LVSVi and other hemodynamic parameters such as central venous oxygenation and pressure, or systemic arterial pressure. Conclusion In this pilot study, the direct hemodynamic effect of LAA closure is evaluated for the first time. Clipping of the LAA is safe and does not directly affect hemodynamic and intracardiac pressures.