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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Case report: percutaneous closure of residual leak following left atrial appendage occlusion
Hussam S Suradi1, Jeffrey Park1, Marie-France Poulin1
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, 1717 W. Congress Parkway, Kellogg 317, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
Background:
Transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) using Watchman device has been demonstrated to be efficacious in decreasing stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation who are not suitable for long-term anticoagulation. Residual leaks are frequently encountered following LAAO procedures and their clinical implications and optimal management remain controversial.
Case Summary:
In this report, we describe a case of peri-Watchman device leak treated successfully with percutaneous device closure using an Amplatzer Vascular Plug II device.
Discussion:
The clinical implications of peri-device leaks remain controversial with general consensus to continue anticoagulation along with serial imaging for larger leaks (>5 mm). As an alternative strategy, percutaneous closure of these leaks has been attempted in hope of avoiding anticoagulation and minimizing the risk of stroke and should be studied further.
