warfarin and perflutren

The percutaneous implantation of a left atrial appendage closure device offers an alternative to chronic oral anticoagulation in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and concomitant risk factors for stroke. Transesophageal echocardiography plays a key role in defining left atrial appendage anatomy and in guiding device implantation. The authors describe a case in which contrast-enhanced transesophageal echocardiography was critically important in spatially resolving the borders of the left atrial appendage, which ultimately led to successful device implantation with cessation of warfarin therapy.

Topics: Aged; Anticoagulants; Atrial Appendage; Atrial Fibrillation; Contrast Media; Echocardiography, Transesophageal; Fluorocarbons; Humans; Male; Prostheses and Implants; Warfarin