Self-expandable device for percutaneous closing of left atrial appendage with organized thrombus in a patient with permanent atrial fibrillation
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Updated: May 16, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Hui-Nam Pak1, Chi-Young Shim, Jung Sun Kim
1Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
While a left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion device may reduce the risk of cardioembolic stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, an antithromboembolic strategy for patients with an organized thrombus in the LAA is still unclear. The present case is the first report of percutaneous closing of an LAA and organized thrombus with a self-expandable LAA occlusion device without complication. This minimally invasive intervention is a potential treatment option in a patient with significant risk of recurrent thromboembolism.
While a left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion device may reduce the risk of cardioembolic stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, an antithromboembolic strategy for patients with an organized thrombus in the LAA is still unclear. The present case is the first report of percutaneous closing of an LAA and organized thrombus with a self-expandable LAA occlusion device without complication. This minimally invasive intervention is a potential treatment option in a patient with significant risk of recurrent thromboembolism.

