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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
23:33

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

[Persistent left atrial thrombus in atrial fibrillation under oral anticoagulation]

B Leithäuser1, F Kasch, T Broemel

  • 1Medizische Abteilung, Kardiologie/Angiologie, Asklepios Klinik Harburg, Eißendorfer Pferdeweg 52, 21075, Hamburg. b.leithaeuser@asklepios.com

Herz
|October 8, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This case highlights the challenges in preventing blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation, even with adequate anticoagulation. It emphasizes the need for careful risk assessment using clinical and echocardiographic data.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Thrombosis Research

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation poses a significant risk for thromboembolic events.
  • Effective anticoagulation is crucial for stroke prevention in these patients.

Observation:

  • A 78-year-old female with atrial fibrillation presented with a persistent left atrial appendage thrombus despite therapeutic anticoagulation.
  • This case underscores the complexities in thromboembolism prophylaxis and risk stratification.

Findings:

  • Clinical and echocardiographic criteria are vital for evaluating thromboembolic risk.
  • Transesophageal echocardiography remains the gold standard for detecting intracardiac thrombi before cardioversion.
  • Cardiac computed tomography offers a viable alternative for thrombus detection.

Implications:

  • Accurate risk assessment is paramount for tailoring anticoagulation strategies.
  • Advanced imaging modalities like transesophageal echocardiography and cardiac CT are essential for guiding treatment decisions.
  • Further research may be needed to optimize anticoagulation protocols for high-risk atrial fibrillation patients.

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