Long Term Follow-up
The patients were followed up over a mean duration of 32.8±19.4 months.
All patients reported symptomatic improvement. There was an improvement
in the NYHA functional class and exercise capacity. None of the patients
reverted to sinus rhythm post-procedure. On transesophageal
examinations, no device-related thrombosis was noted. Both the LAA and
atrial septal occluders were in stable position with no erosion or
migration of the devices. Repeated right heart cardiac catheterization
was not performed as the echocardiogram did not suggest a significantly
elevated pulmonary arterial pressure and these patients were
asymptomatic. No stroke or TIA was reported in any of the subjects
during the follow-up. No late mortality was observed.