Which iatrogenic complications can arise from LAAO?

Iatrogenic complications associated with Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) primarily include vascular access injuries and cardiac perforation. These complications arise due to the invasive nature of the procedure, which typically involves entering the heart through the vascular system to place an occlusion device.

Vascular access injuries can occur when accessing the femoral vein or artery, leading to complications such as hematomas or pseudoaneurysms. Cardiac perforation is a serious risk where instruments used during the procedure inadvertently breach the cardiac wall, potentially leading to life-threatening situations, including cardiac tamponade or hemorrhage.

These types of injuries underscore the importance of meticulous technique and monitoring during and after the procedure. Detecting and managing these complications swiftly is crucial to patient safety and outcomes in LAAO interventions.