The Structural Heart team at the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC) Heart Institute, under the leadership of Dr. Timothy Dy, successfully performed a left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedure using the Omega Eclipse device on a patient with atrial fibrillation (AF).
It marked the second LAAO procedure in the Philippines since 2016. “There was only one such procedure done locally before, in 2016, when we had the opportunity to implant the first LAAO device at CGHMC HI,” Dy said. “From what I understand, there have not been any such procedures since. So, we now have the only two LAAO procedures in the Philippines.”
The patient, an elderly gentleman with multiple health issues including a slow heartbeat, coronary artery blockages, kidney problems and a history of venous blockage, was considered at high risk for bleeding and thus unable to take long-term anticoagulants, which are typically recommended for AF patients to prevent stroke.
LAAO is crucial for patients who cannot safely use anticoagulants, as over 90 percent of strokes caused by AF originate from clots in the left atrial Appendage (LAA).
Prior imaging, including a cardiac CT scan and intraprocedural transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), guided the successful placement of the Omega Eclipse device.
The patient is recovering well and is expected to benefit significantly from the procedure, minimizing his stroke risk without the need for blood thinners.
The CGHMC Heart Institute has established itself as a leader in advanced cardiovascular care, offering cutting-edge interventions such as endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), MitraClip for mitral valve regurgitation and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR).
“With a commitment to innovative, patient-centered care, the Heart Institute continues to enhance its capabilities and improve clinical outcomes, embodying its mission to provide exceptional care within reach,” the hospital said.
