Computed Tomography for Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Case Planning

Prevention of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation has been investigated in light of the high numbers of patients unable to be treated with effective anticoagulation. Therefore, endovascular mechanical occlusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) has been developed as a substitute for thromboprophylaxis. Initial clinical trials demonstrated high rates of procedural complications. Using computed tomography (CT), one can ascertain accurate left atrial appendage dimensions, appendage morphology; predict radiograph gantry angles; and produce physical models for ex vivo device and catheter fitting. This is an overview of available evidence for using CT and the clinical impact of CT on endovascular LAA occlusion