Published online Apr 26, 2022. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i12.3872
Peer-review started: August 17, 2021
First decision: December 17, 2021
Revised: January 6, 2022
Accepted: March 6, 2022
Article in press: March 6, 2022
Published online: April 26, 2022
Processing time: 246 Days and 23.4 Hours
In patients who suffer from both atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial septal defect (ASD), cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), sequential left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion and ASD closure could be a strategy for effective prevention of stroke and right heart failure.
A 65-year-old man was admitted to our institution due to recurrent episodes of palpitations and shortness of breath for 2 years, which had been worsening over the last 48 h. He had a history of AF, ASD, coronary heart disease with stent implantation and diabetes. Physical and laboratory examinations showed no abnormalities. The score of CHA2DS2VASc was 3, and HAS-BLED was 1. Echocardiography revealed a 25-mm secundum ASD. Pulmonary vein (PV) and LAA anatomy were assessed by cardiac computed tomography. PV mapping with 10-pole Lasso catheter was performed following ablation of all four PVs with complete PVI. Following the cryoballoon PVI, the patient underwent LAA occlusion under transesophageal echocardiographic monitoring. Lastly, a 34-mm JIYI ASD occlude device was implanted. A follow-up transesophageal echocardiography at 3 mo showed proper position of both devices and neither thrombi nor leakage was found.
Sequential cryoballoon PVI and LAA occlusion prior to ASD closure can be performed safely in AF patients with ASD.
Core Tip: Patients who suffer from atrial septal defect (ASD) with atrial fibrillation are prone to right heart dysfunction and embolism. We report the first case treated with a 3-in-1 procedure (cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation and left atrial appendage occlusion prior to ASD closure), which may not be performed routinely. However, for ASD patients complicated with poorly controlled atrial fibrillation and unable to tolerate long-term oral anticoagulants, this 3-in-1 procedure can be considered.