Study limitations and future directions
Multiple limitations arise from a monocentric registry design including
variation in implantation modality, post-discharge anticoagulation
regimen and the difficulty to extrapolate to other centers or countries.
Furthermore, since the registry dataset was primarily focused on LAAC
results, other data were not prospectively collected (arrhythmias,
rhythm at follow-up, or valvular outcomes) for the combined procedure
and were assessed by chart review.
Additionally, since no independent image adjudication was used, all TEE
measurements (LAA diameter, device size, compression, peri-device leak,
and device thrombosis) are subject to operator interpretation and
imaging system variability.