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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Chiari network entanglement and herniation into the left atrium by an atrial septal defect occluder device
J C Cooke1, J S Gelman, R W Harper
1Centre For Heart and Chest Research, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Australia.
Insights
The Chiari network, a rare remnant in the heart, can complicate medical procedures. This case highlights transesophageal echocardiography
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Embryology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- The Chiari network is a congenital remnant of the right valve of the sinus venosus, found in 2-3% of the population.
- While generally asymptomatic, it can rarely cause complications like thrombus formation or catheter entrapment.
Observation:
- A prominent Chiari network herniated into the left atrium.
- An Amplatzer septal occluder device catheter became entangled within this prominent Chiari network.
Findings:
- Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was crucial for recognizing the Chiari network before device deployment.
- TEE guidance enabled successful disentanglement of the catheter from the Chiari network.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of pre-procedural imaging to identify anatomical variations like the Chiari network.
- Awareness and TEE guidance are vital for managing potential complications during cardiac device implantation.
Abstract:
The Chiari network is a fenestrated membrane consisting of threads and strands in the right atrium. First described in 1897 by anatomist Hans Chiari, it is a congenital remnant of embryonic development resulting from incomplete resorption of the right valve of the sinus venosus. Found in 2% to 3% of the population, it is generally not of clinical importance. Rarely, however, the network may be associated with serious complications such as thrombus formation, embolus entrapment, arrhythmia, tumor development, and catheter entrapment. We report the entanglement of an Amplatzer septal occluder device catheter in a prominent Chiari network that was herniated into the left atrium. Transesophageal echocardiographic recognition of this before deployment and guidance during disentanglement is described below.
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