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Updated: Mar 1, 2026
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Successful percutaneous retrieval of embolized transcatheter left atrial appendage closure device (Watchman) using a
Zaher Fanari1, Sachin Goel1, Jeffrey A Goldstein1
1Prairie Heart Institute, Springfield, IL.
Transcatheter closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is increasingly considered as an alternative to oral anticoagulation in patients with previous major bleeding or at high-risk of bleeding. Device embolization with transcatheter LAA closure is a rare complication. Most cases are asymptomatic, but it can be life threatening. Depending on the location of embolization, percutaneous retrieval is feasible. Snares are usually used for retrieval, but other devices may be used. We report the case of a 63-year gentleman who underwent an uneventful LAA closure with Watchman device and routine testing next day showed embolization to the abdominal aorta. Retrieval was performed using a modified Cook vascular retrieval forceps.
Transcatheter closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is increasingly considered as an alternative to oral anticoagulation in patients with previous major bleeding or at high-risk of bleeding. Device embolization with transcatheter LAA closure is a rare complication. Most cases are asymptomatic, but it can be life threatening. Depending on the location of embolization, percutaneous retrieval is feasible. Snares are usually used for retrieval, but other devices may be used. We report the case of a 63-year gentleman who underwent an uneventful LAA closure with Watchman device and routine testing next day showed embolization to the abdominal aorta. Retrieval was performed using a modified Cook vascular retrieval forceps.
