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Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Left atrial thrombus formation on a CardioSeal Septal Occlusion device in a patient with elevated factor VIII:
Michael R Recto1, Walter Sobczyk, Terence Hadley
1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40202-3830, USA. mitch.recto@louisville.edu
Insights
Thrombus formed on a CardioSeal device after patent foramen ovale closure. Elevated factor VIII levels indicated a hypercoagulable state, and treatment with heparin and aspirin resolved the clot.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Thrombosis
Background:
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is a common procedure to prevent stroke.
- Device-associated thrombus formation is a rare but serious complication.
- Cryptogenic strokes necessitate investigation into potential embolic sources like PFO.
Observation:
- A CardioSeal Septal Occlusion device was implanted for PFO closure.
- Thrombus formation occurred on the left atrial disc 14 days post-implantation.
- The patient had a history of multiple cryptogenic strokes.
Findings:
- Elevated factor VIII levels were detected, suggesting a hypercoagulable state.
- Medical management with heparin and aspirin led to complete clot resolution.
- This case highlights a potential complication of transcatheter PFO closure.
Implications:
- Early detection and management of device-related thrombus are crucial.
- Hypercoagulable states may increase the risk of thrombus formation after device implantation.
- Further research is needed to optimize anticoagulation strategies in patients with PFO and hypercoagulability.
Abstract:
We describe a case of thrombus formation on the left atrial disc of a CardioSeal Septal Occlusion device 14 days after transcatheter closure of a patent foramen ovale in a patient with a history of multiple cryptogenic strokes. Work-up to rule out the presence of a hypercoagulable state prior to device closure demonstrated an elevated factor VIII level. Medical therapy with heparin and aspirin was initiated, with subsequent clot resolution.
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