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Updated: Aug 26, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Veno-venous double lasso pull-and-push technique for transseptal retrieval of an embolized Watchman occluder
Christian Fastner1, Ralf Lehmann1, Michael Behnes1
1First Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany; DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) partner site Mannheim, Germany.
Abstract:
Intraprocedural device dislodgement of a 24-mm Watchman™ left atrial appendage (LAA) closure device occurred in a 83-year-old female with a wide left atrial appendage ostium (broccoli configuration) and a surgical mitral valve reconstruction. Device rested in the atrial cavity. A second stable 12French transseptal electrophysiological sheath and two snares were needed to stabilize, elongate and gently guide the device into the second sheath. One of the snares was unclamped at its proximal end and retrogradely pulled through. After successful retrieval, a 27-mm Watchman™ device could easily be implanted in the very same session via the left delivery sheath. Patient was discharged from hospital in good general health after regular turnaround time.

