Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion for patients in atrial fibrillation suboptimal for warfarin therapy: 5-year results of the PLAATO (Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Transcatheter Occlusion) Study.
Academic Article
Overview
abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine 5-year clinical status for patients treated with percutaneous left atrial appendage transcatheter occlusion with the PLAATO (Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Transcatheter Occlusion) system. BACKGROUND: Anticoagulation reduces thromboembolism among patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). However, warfarin is a challenging medication due to risks of inadequate anticoagulation and bleeding. Thus, PLAATO was evaluated as a treatment strategy for nonwarfarin candidate patients with AF at high risk for stroke. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with permanent or paroxysmal AF participated in this observational, multicenter prospective study. Primary end points were: new major or minor stroke, cardiac or neurological death, myocardial infarction, or requirement for cardiovascular surgery related to the procedure within 1 month of the index procedure. Patients were followed for up to 5 years. RESULTS: Thirty-day freedom from major adverse events rate was 98.4% (95% confidence interval: 90.89% to >99.99%). One patient, who did not receive a PLAATO implant, experienced 2 events within 30 days (cardiovascular surgery, death). Treatment success was 100% 1 month after device implantation. At 5-year follow-up, there were 7 deaths, 5 major strokes, 3 minor strokes, 1 cardiac tamponade requiring surgery, 1 probable cerebral hemorrhage/death, and 1 myocardial infarction. Only 1 event (cardiac tamponade) was adjudicated as related to the implant procedure. After up to 5 years of follow-up, the annualized stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) rate was 3.8%. The anticipated stroke/TIA rate (with the CHADS(2) scoring method) was 6.6%/year. CONCLUSIONS: The PLAATO system is safe and effective. At 5-year follow-up the annualized stroke/TIA rate in our patients was 3.8%/year, less than predicted by the CHADS(2) scoring system.
