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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Intrapericardial giant left atrial appendage
Eapen Thomas1, Anthony P Salmon, Joseph J Vettukattil
1Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Wessex Cardiothoracic Unit, Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, Southampton, UK.
Contrary to what the name implies, the left atrial appendage is increasingly becoming an organ of clinical importance. Its role in the pathogenesis of thromboembolism is now well established. Enlargement of the appendage due to haemodynamic disturbances or anatomic weakness increases this risk, along with the potential for arrhythmia. We report a rare case of gross enlargement of the left atrial appendage within the pericardial cavity.
Contrary to what the name implies, the left atrial appendage is increasingly becoming an organ of clinical importance. Its role in the pathogenesis of thromboembolism is now well established. Enlargement of the appendage due to haemodynamic disturbances or anatomic weakness increases this risk, along with the potential for arrhythmia. We report a rare case of gross enlargement of the left atrial appendage within the pericardial cavity.
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