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Updated: May 11, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

Device-related thrombus overlying a left-atrial occlusion device implanted for persistent spontaneous echo contrast

Wael Elabbassi1, Ahmed Najeeb Osman, Mohammed Andaleeb Chowdhury

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Al-Qassimi Hospital, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. welabbassi@yahoo.com

Cardiology
|May 22, 2013
PubMed

Insights

A left-atrial occlusion device was implanted in a patient with atrial fibrillation. A large thrombus formed on the device, highlighting limitations in high-risk patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Devices

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation increases stroke risk.
  • Left-atrial occlusion devices are an alternative to anticoagulation.
  • Persistent dense spontaneous echo contrast indicates high thromboembolic risk.

Observation:

  • A 75-year-old woman with atrial fibrillation and severe biatrial enlargement received a left-atrial occlusion device.
  • Six weeks post-implantation, transesophageal echocardiography revealed a 4.1 × 2.1 cm mobile mass on the device.
  • The mass was suspected to be a thrombus.

Findings:

  • The patient developed a significant thrombus on the left-atrial occlusion device despite appropriate oral anticoagulant therapy.
  • This complication occurred in a patient with persistent atrial fibrillation, large atria, and dense spontaneous echo contrast.

Implications:

  • Close follow-up is crucial after left-atrial occlusion device implantation.
  • This treatment modality may have limitations in patients with specific risk factors like persistent atrial fibrillation and dense spontaneous echo contrast.
  • Further research is needed to optimize device selection and management in high-risk populations.

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