Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 12, 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

34.4K

Left atrial catheter ablation subsequent to Watchman® left atrial appendage device implantation: a single centre

Daniel T Walker1, Karen P Phillips2

  • 1HeartCare Partners, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Newdegate Street, Greenslopes, QLD 4120, Australia dt_walker@hotmail.com.

Europace : European Pacing, Arrhythmias, and Cardiac Electrophysiology : Journal of the Working Groups on Cardiac Pacing, Arrhythmias, and Cardiac Cellular Electrophysiology of the European Society of Cardiology
|May 23, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Left atrial appendage device occlusion, like the Watchman® device, is safe for patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. This study shows successful ablation therapy in patients with existing Watchman® implants.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Medical Devices

Background:

  • Left atrial appendage (LAA) device occlusion is a common stroke prevention strategy for atrial fibrillation (AF).
  • The safety and feasibility of performing left atrial catheter ablation in patients with an LAA device implant remain unclear.
  • This study addresses the need to understand the implications of LAA device presence during AF ablation procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the feasibility and safety of left atrial catheter ablation in patients with an implanted Watchman® LAA device.
  • To assess the efficacy of catheter ablation for treating AF and other atrial tachycardias in this specific patient population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 10 patients with existing Watchman® LAA implants undergoing catheter ablation for AF.
  • Utilized irrigated tip ablation and circular mapping catheters via double transseptal access.
  • Confirmed device integrity and position using fluoroscopy and intracardiac echocardiography.

Main Results:

  • Successful left atrial catheter ablation was performed in all 10 patients with Watchman® devices.
  • Ablation targets included left atrial flutters, focal tachycardias, complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) zones, and pulmonary vein isolation.
  • No procedural complications were observed, and device integrity was maintained.

Conclusions:

  • Left atrial catheter ablation is a safe and effective therapy for AF and related arrhythmias in patients with an implanted Watchman® LAA device.
  • The presence of a Watchman® device does not preclude successful catheter ablation procedures.
  • This single-center experience suggests favorable outcomes for combined LAA device therapy and catheter ablation.
Abstract

Keywords:
Left atrial ablationLeft atrial appendageOcclusion deviceWatchman

More Related Videos

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation23:33

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

84.8K
Non-fluoroscopic Catheter Tracking for Fluoroscopy Reduction in Interventional Electrophysiology10:46

Non-fluoroscopic Catheter Tracking for Fluoroscopy Reduction in Interventional Electrophysiology

Published on: May 26, 2015

14.0K

Related Concept Videos

Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization01:24

Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization

Left heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function and structure of the left side of the heart. It is generally performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as valve abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart defects.Diagnostic and therapeutic purposesLeft heart catheterization serves various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Assessing coronary artery bypass grafts.Evaluating coronary artery disease in...
1.2K
Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization01:21

Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization

Right Heart Catheterization: An OverviewRight heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure that measures right-sided cardiac and pulmonary artery pressures, calculates cardiac output, and identifies intracardiac shunts. It provides detailed hemodynamic data essential for diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension.Access SitesCommon access sites for right heart catheterization include the internal jugular vein in the neck region, the...
2.0K
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
681