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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Zero-Contrast Left Atrial Appendage Closure in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Tadatomo Fukushima1, Masato Fukunaga1, Akihiro Isotani1
1Department of Cardiology, Kokura Memorial Hospital.
Background:
Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) usually requires contrast medium during the procedure. However, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk of developing contrast nephropathy. This study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of zero-contrast LAAC in patients with CKD.
Methods And Results:
Zero-contrast LAAC was attempted in 15 patients with CKD Stages 3b-5 who were not on hemodialysis. All procedures were performed successfully, without any periprocedural complications. At the 45-day follow-up, no device-related complications or acute kidney disease were observed.
Conclusions:
The strategy of zero-contrast LAAC in patients with CKD can be an acceptable option.
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