Objectives:

The study evaluated the feasibility and safety of a novel left atrial appendage (LAA) occluder (LAmbre™,

Lifetech Scienti

fic Corp., China) in canines.

Background:

Transcatheter LAA occlusion is comparable towarfarin in preventing atrial fibrillation-related strokes.

Methods:

Twenty-two healthy dogs (28 ± 3 kg) received LAmbre implants. The device is delivered by an

8

–10 French sheath and has full recapture and repositioning capabilities. All dogs received 1-week antibiotics

and 4-week aspirin (80 mg daily) after implants and they were sacri

ficed in groups at Days 1–3

(n = 5), 1- (n = 7), 3- (n = 4) and 6-months (n = 6) for pathological examinations. Transthoracic

echocardiography (TTE) was performed immediately after implant, at Day 3 and before sacri

fice.

Results:

The LAmbre was successfully implanted, retrieved, repositioned and re-implanted in all dogs. The

mean implant size was 24 ± 3 mm and the device chosen was 36 ± 7% larger than the measured landing

zone diameter. Improper device selection (only 21% oversizing) resulted in dislodgement and death of 1

dog on Day 3. Post-implant angiography and TTE showed well-positioned device without pericardial

effusion or impingement on surrounding structures. Late complications included device-related thrombus at

1 month (n = 1) and clinically insigni

ficant pericardial effusion at Day 3 (n = 1). Complete healing on the atrial

facing surface with optimal LAA obliteration was con

firmed by gross andmicroscopic examinations in dogs that

have been followed up

≥3 months (n=10). No infarctwas detected inmajor organs.

Conclusions:

Our preliminary data suggested the LAmbre™ device is feasible with high success rate in canines.

Further studies are needed to evaluate its safety and ef

ficacy.