Atrial Thrombus and Embolic Stroke in a Patient With Surgical Appendage Ligation and Maze Procedure

Abstract

This case illustrates the incomplete protection of surgical ligation of left atrial appendage and maze procedure at the time of mitral valve replacement against thromboembolic complications and recurrence of atrial fibrillation. The utility of surgical left atrial appendage ligation as stroke prophylaxis and identification of selected high-risk subjects are reviewed. ( Level of Difficulty: Intermediate. )