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Updated: Dec 28, 2025

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Clinical Implications and Management Strategies for Left Atrial Appendage Leaks
Anu Sahore1, Domenico G Della Rocca1, Alisara Anannab2
1Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David's Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA.
Abstract:
Left atrial appendage (LAA) is the dominant source of systemic thromboembolic (TE) events in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). In patients with significant bleeding risk, various LAA exclusion strategies have been developed as an alternative to pharmacologic TE prophylaxis. Nevertheless, in a relatively small percentage of patients, incomplete LAA closure can be documented, either at the time of procedure or during follow-up. This persistent patency can potentially jeopardize an effective stroke prophylaxis. Hereby, we report an update on the current clinical implications of LAA leaks and how to manage them.
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