The Treatment of Left Atrial Appendage Aneurysm by a Minimally Invasive Approach

Abstract

Left atrial appendage (LAA) aneurysm is a rare, pathologic condition that may lead to atrial tachyarrhythmia or thromboembolic events. A 49-year-old man presented with aggravated palpitation and dizziness. He suffered from refractory atrial fibrillation despite a previous history of radiofrequency catheter ablation. Echocardiography revealed a 57mm LAA aneurysm. Surgical ablation was performed through a right minithoracotomy, and the LAA aneurysm was obliterated with a 50mm AtriClip (Atricure Inc., Westchester, OH, USA). However, follow-up computed tomography showed residual communication, so the patient is still taking warfarin. We report that a minimally invasive strategy for treating LAA aneurysm can be considered, but incomplete closure may occur; thus, caution is needed.

Keywords

• Left atrial appendage aneurysm
• Minimally invasive surgery
• AtriClip