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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
23:33

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

84.6K

Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Complicated by Appendage Perforation Rescued by Device Deployment

Anna Sarcon1, Dipayon Roy1, David Laughrun1

  • 1University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Journal of Investigative Medicine High Impact Case Reports
|September 15, 2018
PubMed

Insights

A rare complication during Watchman device implantation for atrial fibrillation, left atrial appendage perforation, was successfully managed by device repositioning, avoiding surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Medical Device Technology

Background:

  • The Watchman device is utilized for left atrial appendage occlusion in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients unsuitable for long-term anticoagulation.
  • Complications such as pericardial effusion and perforation during Watchman device deployment can be severe, potentially necessitating surgical intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a rare case of left atrial appendage perforation during Watchman device implantation.
  • To highlight the successful non-surgical management of this complication through device repositioning.

Main Methods:

  • A case report detailing the implantation of a Watchman device in a patient with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
  • Description of the intra-procedural identification of left atrial appendage perforation.
  • Explanation of the technique used for successful device repositioning to seal the perforation.

Main Results:

  • Left atrial appendage perforation occurred during Watchman device implantation.
  • The perforation was successfully managed by repositioning the Watchman device.
  • Surgical intervention was avoided, and the patient experienced a favorable outcome.

Conclusions:

  • Left atrial appendage perforation is a rare but serious complication of Watchman device implantation.
  • Successful device repositioning can be an effective alternative to surgery in managing this complication.
  • Experienced operators can minimize risks, but preparedness for managing complications is crucial.

Keywords:
Watchmanleft atrial appendage occlusionpericardial effusion

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