Abstract
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke, with >90% of thrombi in nonvalvular AF originating in the left atrial appendage (LAA). Thoracoscopic LAA occlusion (LAAO), with or without ablation, is a minimally invasive alternative to endocardial devices or anticoagulation, but multicenter data are limited.
Methods and Results: The Totally Thoracoscopic Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Study (TT-LAAOS) is a multicenter Japanese registry of thoracoscopic LAAO in nonvalvular AF. From March 2018 to December 2024, 567 patients underwent the procedure at 6 institutions using stapler excision or epicardial clip. Outcomes included procedural success, anatomic closure, cerebrovascular events, and anticoagulant withdrawal. Mean age was 72 years; 63.5% had long-standing persistent AF. Median CHADS2and CHA2DS2 VASc scores were 2 and 4, respectively. Success was 99.8% with no intraoperative deaths; residual stumps >10 mm were found in 1.5%. At discharge, sinus rhythm was present in 45%. Anticoagulants were stopped in 15% immediately and 63% within 1 month. During 875.8 patient years of follow-up (median 13 months), freedom from stroke or transient ischemic attack was 99.5% (0.34/100 patient years), with no thromboembolic deaths.
Conclusions: Thoracoscopic LAAO, with or without ablation, is safe and effective for stroke prevention in AF, with high success, reliable closure, and very low midterm events.
