Arrhythmias & electrophysiology
Combined pulsed field ablation and left atrial appendage occlusion: A multicenter comparative study
Authors' conclusion
Combined PFA and LAAO was feasible. However, we observed a mean 69.4% increase in pulmonary ridge thickness immediately following PFA. Significant PDL was more prevalent in combined procedure.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with AF undergoing pulsed field ablation (PFA) and/or left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in 3 centres in 2023
- Participants
- 36 / 48 / 52
- Exposure
- Combined PFA + LAAO vs standalone LAAO or standalone PFA
- Combinedn = 36
- Standalone LAAOn = 48reference
- Standalone PFAn = 52reference
- Outcome
- Peridevice leak (PDL)
- Follow-up
- 3 months
Methodological detailsmulticentre, 3 centres, consecutive patients
- Multicentre
- 3 centres
- Consecutive patients
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
| Outcome | Combined | Standalone LAAO | Standalone PFA | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peridevice leak (PDL) · 3 months | 26.7 % | 15.2% | |||
| Significant PDL (>3 mm) | 20% | 2.2% | Not reported in the abstract | P = 0.013 | Standalone PFA: not reported in the abstract |
- Combined vs Standalone LAAO: P = 0.22 — any peridevice leak (PDL)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | Combined | Standalone LAAO | Standalone PFA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Successful LAAO implantation with WATCHMAN FLX | 97.2% | Not reported in the abstract | Not reported in the abstract | Standalone LAAO, Standalone PFA: not reported in the abstract |
- Pulmonary ridge thickness increase after ablation (Combined) · immediately after PFA
- 2.72 · ± 1.19 · mm
- Pulmonary ridge thickness increase after ablation (Combined) — Increase vs before ablation
- P < .001
Acute pulmonary vein isolation (PVI)
- Achieved in all Combined and Standalone PFA procedures
Successful LAAO implantation with WATCHMAN FLX
- Achieved in all Standalone LAAO procedures
Original publication
Combined pulsed field ablation and left atrial appendage occlusion: A multicenter comparative study. Heart Rhythm. Published 21 March 2025. doi:10.
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it