Study limitations
Our study has several limitations that should be noted. First, it did
not have a randomized, single-center design. Second, CT and ICE were not
performed on the same day; therefore, the presence of changes in the
thrombus or blood circulation status cannot be ruled out. Third, ICE
could be performed only in patients without CDs on late-pCT. In
addition, further examination of thrombi using TEE was performed in 4 of
6 patients with CDs. Forth, the 3DCT model from the CA procedure was
reconstructed from CT images obtained in the prone position. Although
3DCT did not cause any issues throughout the CA procedure, there may be
differences in the 3DCT images of the LA between those obtained in the
prone and supine positions.