Cardiovascular 3D Printing

Abstract

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a narrow, tubular, blind-ended structure extending anterolaterally from the main body of the left atrium (LA). The LAA is located above the LV, on the left side of the pulmonary artery and ascending aorta, between the left superior pulmonary vein and the mitral annulus. With prominent muscular ridges, the LAA has active contraction. The appendage is also an endocrine organ, containing almost 30% of the heart atrial natriuretic factor [1]. Because of its increased distensibility, the LAA may augment hemodynamic function by alleviating pressure rise in the LA and ensure filling of the left ventricle (LV). In cardiovascular diseases, the LAA is the main site of thrombus formation because of its special anatomical structure and functional characteristics. Thrombi originating from the LAA account for 90% of atrial thrombi in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation [2].