Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus Formation after Perioperative Cardioversion in the Setting of Severe Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis

LEFT atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus formation is a well-known complication of both atrial fibrillation and mitral stenosis, with a high potential for morbidity and mortality.1 Several factors may play a role in why this is the case but, ultimately, decreased LAA contractility results in a low- flow state.1 Prevention in those with atrial fibrillation often is managed medically with rhythm control via antiarrhythmics and oral anticoagulation, or it can be treated with procedures such as percutaneous arrythmia ablation, Direct Current Cardioversion (DCCV), LAA occlusion device placement, and LAA ligation.
Source: Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Case Report Source Type: research