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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Displacement of occluder after left atrial appendage closure: A case report
1Department of Cardiology Dongxihu District People's Hospital Wuhan Hubei China.
Insights
Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAC) prevents stroke in atrial fibrillation. This case highlights successful retrieval and re-implantation of a dislodged LAAC device, demonstrating procedural feasibility.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) significantly increases stroke risk due to thrombus formation, primarily in the left atrial appendage (LAA).
- Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAC) is an established method to prevent AF-related strokes by sealing the LAA.
- Managing LAAC complications, such as device displacement, is crucial for patient safety.
Observation:
- An 80-year-old male with persistent AF underwent LAAC due to high embolic and bleeding risks.
- Post-procedure echocardiography revealed displacement of the LAAC occluder on the second day.
- The displaced occluder was successfully retrieved and a new LAAC procedure was performed the same day.
Findings:
- The retrieval and re-implantation of a dislodged LAAC device were technically successful.
- The patient experienced no immediate post-operative complications and was discharged on day five.
- This case underscores the feasibility of interventional retrieval and re-occlusion for displaced LAAC devices.
Implications:
- Interventional retrieval offers a viable solution for managing LAAC device displacement.
- Prompt management of LAAC complications can ensure favorable patient outcomes.
- This approach reinforces the safety and efficacy of LAAC procedures in high-risk AF patients.
Key Clinical Message:
Atrial fibrillation is closely associated with thrombotic events. In non-valvular atrial fibrillation, 90% of thrombi are formed by the left atrial appendage. Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAC) can effectively prevent the detachment of left atrial appendage thrombus during atrial fibrillation, thereby reducing the risk of long-term disability or death caused by thromboembolic events. However, the identification and management of complications in LAAC are also very important.
Abstract:
The efficacy and safety of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAC) in preventing non-valvular atrial fibrillation stroke have been confirmed by multiple randomized controlled and registered studies, and have been recommended by several guidelines for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation at high-risk of stroke. We reported an 80-year-old male patient with persistent atrial fibrillation. The patient underwent left atrial appendage closure surgery due to high risk of embolism and bleeding. On the second day after surgery, echocardiography showed displacement of the left atrial appendage occluder. Immediately perform removal of left atrial appendage occlude and left atrial appendage occlusion on the same day, and the patient was discharged on the fifth day after surgery without any special circumstances. This case demonstrates the feasibility and important clinical significance of using interventional surgery to remove the left atrial appendage occluder after displacement in clinical practice.
