A planning system of the implant size and position for minimally-invasive closure of the left atrial appendage

This article describes a planning program and process for the implant size and position planning for the minimally-invasive closure of the left atrial appendage. To prevent strokes in patients suffering from atrial fibrillation an implant that occludes the orifice of the left atrial appendage can be inserted into the heart through a catheter. A critical step during the procedure is the correct choice of the implant size in combination with the implant position. The authors describe an approach for a planning program to support the physician during the choice of the implant on the basis of a chosen implantation site. It also offers the possibility to manufacture a model of the left atrial appendage with additive manufacturing methods to allow the testing and the choice of the implant. The paper describes the program and shows first examples of printed models.

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