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Updated: May 18, 2026
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
[Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure with Watchman® LAA occluder device in a patient with persistent atrial
Paweł Kleczyński1, Danuta Sorysz, Barbara Zawiślak
1II Klinika Kardiologii, Instytut Kardiologii, Collegium Medicum Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego, Kraków. kleczu@interia.pl
Insights
A 74-year-old male with persistent atrial fibrillation and stroke despite anticoagulation successfully underwent left atrial appendage closure. The Watchman device effectively closed the appendage, offering a new treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Persistent atrial fibrillation increases stroke risk.
- Vitamin-K antagonists are standard stroke prevention but can be insufficient.
- Left atrial appendage closure is an alternative stroke prevention strategy.
Observation:
- A 74-year-old male patient had persistent atrial fibrillation and experienced an ischaemic stroke.
- The patient was already on vitamin-K antagonist treatment for stroke prevention.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful left atrial appendage closure using the Watchman device.
- This procedure effectively addressed a potential source of emboli in the left atrial appendage.
Implications:
- Left atrial appendage closure with the Watchman device is a viable option for patients with atrial fibrillation and stroke risk, even when on anticoagulation.
- This case highlights the potential of device-based closure for stroke prevention in complex cases.
- Further research into device-based therapies for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation is warranted.
Abstract:
We present a case of a 74-year-old male with persistent atrial fibrillation and ischaemic stroke despite vitamin-K antagonist treatment who underwent successful left atrial appendage closure with Watchman device.
