Great Wall Session | Be Prudent, Reflective, Insightful and Practical --LeFort LAA Closure Occluder I Satellite Meeting a Great Success

Zhoupu Hospital, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

Professor Ning Zhongping

Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University

Professor Zhou Yujie

Development of LAA closure in China calls for joint promotion of Chinese clinicians and device manufacturers alike. MemoLefort is a domestic LAA occluder with independent intellectual property rights. All peer experts here and I are among the pioneering group to initiate various advanced technologies and we all form extensive knowledge. Atrial septal puncture was a snag and key for atrial septal puncture when LAA closure operation first commenced. Imaging conditions were limited for septal puncture earlier, but clinicians can now perform puncture under  guidance of TEE with higher accuracy. And with emergence of advanced imaging technologies such as ICE, LAA closure operation is made easier and more convenient, and thus safety of the operation and accuracy of operation is boosted.

Other than technological advancement, improvement of cognition of LAA closure and the discussion on related theories are also crucial. In the Department of Internal Medicine of Theology, we found that most patients who came to the clinic suffered TIA or stroke, for many critical patients failed to receive LAA closure in time. It is hoped that through more such academic discussions, we can grasp the selection of indications with precision, boost technological improvement with better standards, and better propel development of LAA closure in China.

Professor Ma Dongxing: 'Be Insightful'-Cardiac Stroke Prevention and Treatment Sharing of Experience in and MemoLefort Single Center

Third Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital is one of the clinical trial centers of MemoLefort LAA closure occluder I, and Professor Ma Dongxing from the center shared his experience of MemoLefort single center.

Professor Ma Dongxing started by accounting for the unique position of LAA closure in  prevention and treatment of cardiogenic stroke from the perspective of cardiogenic stroke prevention and treatment. He mentioned that atrial fibrillation was an important cause of ischemic stroke/TIA. And that one of the countries most prone to stroke morbidity and mortality China should highlight prevention and treatment of stroke in patients contracted with atrial fibrillation, and strengthen detection rate of cardiogenic stroke. The core of stroke prevention and treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation lies on antithrombotic therapy. How to balance benefits and risks forms principle of specified treatment strategies. For patients highly prone to bleeding or with anticoagulation contraindications, LAA closure proves a better option.

MemoLefort is now the sole domestically-made occluder with a plug design marketed in China. Overall results of its clinical trials show that LAA closure rate is 97.4% after 12 months (LAA closure rate in its center is 100% after 12 months). Incidence of ischemic stroke 12 months after surgery is 0%, and the technical success rate is 99.4%. Its effectiveness and safety have been clinically verified and it has been certified by CFDA. It offers another new opportunity for prevention and treatment of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation in China.

Professor Hongjun Zhu: 'Be Practical——Introduction to characteristics of MemoLefort LAA closure occluder I and sharing of operating skills

Development of LAA closure calls for theory and practice in combination. Professor Zhu Hongjun from Anhui Provincial Hospital presented characteristics of MemoLefort LAA occluder I and shared its operating skills from the perspective of operation of LAA surgery.

He indicated that complexity in shape and anatomical structure of LAA determined difficulty of its closure. Preoperative evaluation of shape of LAA is of great help for estimating difficulties of operation and for formulating closure strategy. Accurate measurement from multiple angles and a suitable puncture spot form keys to ensure smooth operation. Moreover, improper positioning place of occluder during the surgery could be adjusted through semi-recovery or fully-recovery means.

To conclude, Professor Hongjun Zhu indicated that MemoLefort LAA closure occluder I conformed to structural characteristics of LAA, and its supporting delivery device could reach the sealing position both accurately and safely. Thanks to its reasonable overall design and handy operation, it can complete LAA closure both safely and effectively.

As an emerging anti-thrombotic technology that can effectively prevent and treat strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation, LAA closure has grabbed leaping progress in theory, surgical procedures, and equipment since its entry to China. Its development course can’t do without the spirit of thirst for knowledge and of being both prudent and insightful held by clinicians. Its theoretical development is promoted through rigorous clinical research and its safety is boosted through standard surgical operation. Thanks to research, development and production of more domestic apparatus, LAA closure, a high technology, can more swiftly bring bliss to Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation. With joint efforts of Chinese clinicians and apparatus manufacturers, China is sure to take a more stable, quicker and further way ahead in LAA closure.