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.