Long-Term Thrombus-Free Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Via Magnetofluids

In this article, the authors present a catheter-based left atrial appendage occlusion approach using an injectable magnetofluid that solidifies in situ into a magnetogel, aiming to overcome peri-device leak and device-related thrombus seen with conventional solid occluders. The material was designed to conform to variable appendage anatomy, remain stable against blood flow under an external magnetic field, and gel rapidly after blood contact, with gelation beginning at approximately 60 seconds and stabilizing within roughly 11 minutes. In rat and pig models, follow-up periods of up to six and 10 months showed complete occlusion without detectable thrombus or leakage, preserved cardiac function, and no clear inflammatory or myocardial injury signal.