Trancatheter closure of left atrial appendage in patient with end-stage renal disease, chronic atrial fibrillation and heart failure

Abstract

Hemodialysis, as well as the end-stage renal disease are the main factors predisposing to atrial fibrillation. Serious concerns exist regarding the use of anticoagulation in patients with end-stage renal disease and atrial fibrillation. This is due to a particularly high risk of bleeding and the adverse effect of vitamin K antagonist therapy on arterial calcification process. An alternative option in these patients may be interventional treatment, namely transcatheter closure of left atrial appendage. The following article describes the case of 68 year old man with end-stage renal disease and chronic atrial fibrillation who underwent transcatheter closure of left atrial appendage. Additionally, the adverse effect of arteriovenous fistula on the cardiovascular system in patients with end-stage renal disease and concomitant heart failure was discussed.