Chaired by Devi Nair (Jonesboro, US), this session featured Jens Erik Nielsen-Kudsk (Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, DK) presenting advancements in left atrial appendage (LAA) closure using a new conformal device. The discussion covered device-related thrombosis, peri-device leaks and how this novel device addresses these issues through a smooth surface, nitinol endoskeleton and minimal height requirement. Prof Nielsen-Kudsk detailed the first-generation study's hold due to pericardial effusion cases, leading to a redesign with improved anchors and an intuitive handle. A European study is currently evaluating the second-generation device across multiple centres.

The session also explored imaging techniques, with panellists Shephal Doshi (Santa Monica, US) and Horst Sievert (Frankfurt, DE) discussing intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) versus transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) for LAA closure. ICE was highlighted for its ability to avoid general anaesthesia and improve procedural efficiency. The session concluded with a discussion on the IDE trial's progress in the US, the benefits of steerable sheaths for precise implantation and the potential of the conformal device to simplify LAA closure by reducing imaging dependence and enhancing closure rates.