Left Atrial Appendage, Intraoperative Echocardiography, and the Anesthesiologist

THE ANATOMY and function of the left atrial appendage (LAA) recently have received clinical attention. The LAA’s role in the generation of intracardiac thrombi and eventual embolism has been investigated significantly.1 The LAA is not merely an embryologic remnant but an integral anatomic and physiologic component of the left atrium (LA). It has a complex shape and functions as a reservoir and a neurosecretory organ with arrhythmogenic potential.2 Importantly, the LAA is the most common cardiac source of embolism with resultant stroke.

Source: Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia - August 25, 2015 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Khurram Owais, Feroze Mahmood, Mario Montealegre-Gallegos, Kamal R. Khabbaz, Robina Matyal Tags: Review Article Source Type: research