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Updated: May 11, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Intracardiac Echocardiography-guided Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion
Juan Carlos Diaz1, Mauricio Duque2, Jorge Marin3
1Cardiac Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Service, Clinica Las Vegas, Universidad CES Medical School Medellin, Colombia.
Abstract:
Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a suitable alternative to oral anticoagulant therapy to prevent stroke in patients with AF. Most procedures are performed under transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) guidance, which facilitates transseptal puncture, reduces the risk of procedurerelated complications and provides an additional method for device selection and real-time monitoring during device deployment. However, TOE has significant shortcomings, including the need for general anaesthesia/deep sedation as well as a significant risk of procedure-related adverse events. More recently, intracardiac echocardiography has been proposed as an alternative to TOE guidance during LAAO procedures. In this review, we summarise the available evidence as well as providing a step-by-step approach for intracardiac echocardiography-guided LAAO.

