What type of catheter is typically used for device placement during LAAO?

The pigtail catheter is commonly used during left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedures for several reasons that align with its design and functionality. This type of catheter is designed with a curled end that resembles a pigtail, making it effective for navigating through the vascular system and into the left atrial appendage.

When performing LAAO, it is crucial to visualize the anatomy and ensure accurate placement of the closure device. The pigtail catheter facilitates this by allowing for effective contrast injection during fluoroscopy, which helps clinicians assess the structure and size of the left atrial appendage. Furthermore, the pigtail catheter's ability to maintain a stable position is beneficial during the delivery of the occlusion device, ensuring precise placement and securing the device against the appendage walls.

In contrast, other catheter types, such as balloon, sheath, or guidewire catheters, serve different purposes in procedural contexts and are not typically used for the specific function of delivering the closure device in LAAO. For instance, balloon catheters are more commonly associated with dilation procedures, while sheath catheters are used for accessing vascular spaces. Guidewire catheters assist with navigation but do not provide the direct visualization or positioning