A Case of Delayed Hemorrhagic Effusive-Constrictive Pericarditis After Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Device

Shuktika Nandkeolyar1, Purvi Parwani1, Tahmeed Contractor1

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, California.

JACC. Case Reports
|July 28, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Pericardial effusion and tamponade can occur weeks after WATCHMAN device placement for left atrial appendage occlusion. This case report details the etiology and management of this rare complication.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Devices
  • Cardiac Surgery

Background:

  • Left atrial appendage occlusion is a common procedure to reduce stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation.
  • The WATCHMAN device is a widely used implant for left atrial appendage occlusion.

Observation:

  • A patient developed pericardial effusion and tamponade several weeks post-implantation of a WATCHMAN device.
  • This complication occurred despite successful device placement and closure of the left atrial appendage.

Findings:

  • The study identifies potential causes for delayed pericardial effusion and tamponade after WATCHMAN device implantation.
  • Clinical management strategies for this uncommon post-procedural complication are discussed.

Implications:

  • Awareness of this potential complication is crucial for clinicians managing patients who have undergone left atrial appendage occlusion.
  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management can improve patient outcomes and prevent serious adverse events.

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