Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
ST-Segment Elevation During Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure
Tatsuro Shoji1, Yukio Sato1, Daisuke Togashi1
1Department of Cardiology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan.
Insights
Left atrial appendage closure for atrial fibrillation can cause coronary artery compression, leading to procedure abandonment. This complication was identified by ECG and echocardiography findings in a 70-year-old patient.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Cardiac Imaging
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia requiring stroke prevention.
- Left atrial appendage closure is an alternative to anticoagulation for stroke risk reduction.
- Device-related complications, though rare, require careful monitoring.
Abstract:
A 70-year-old patient with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation underwent left atrial appendage closure. The patient experienced transient hypotension during device implantation. The procedure was abandoned because of ST-T-wave changes on electrocardiography and elevated coronary flow velocity on transesophageal echocardiography, which indicated that the device caused coronary artery compression.
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