Percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage: The value of real time 3D transesophageal echocardiography and the intraoperative change in the size of the left atrial appendage

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the value of real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3DTEE) in percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage (LAAC). In addition, this study also explored the change in the size of the left atrial appendage (LAA) from 24 hours before the operation to just before implantation during the operation. METHODS AND RESULTS In a retrospective study, 32 patients underwent two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2DTEE) and RT3DTEE 24 hours prior to operation and during operation. The maximal LAA orifice diameter (by 2DTEE, 22.7 ± 2.7 vs 24.6 ± 2.2 mm, P