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Updated: May 8, 2026
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Surgical explantation of the WATCHMAN device and right atrial thrombus: a case report
Kotaro Mukasa1, Hironobu Nishiori1, Hiroki Ikeuchi1
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba 286-0041, Japan.
Insights
A patient with a history of stroke and atrial fibrillation had a cardiac mass removed along with their WATCHMAN device. An external approach for WATCHMAN device explantation and appendage closure proved effective.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Left atrial appendage closure with devices like WATCHMAN is common for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation.
- Complications, though rare, can necessitate device removal.
- Intracardiac masses can pose diagnostic and management challenges.
Abstract:
A 74-year-old male with a history of cardioembolic stroke, chronic atrial fibrillation, and cerebral hemorrhage, who had undergone left atrial appendage closure using the WATCHMAN device 1 year prior, was diagnosed with a 25-mm intra-cardiac mass in the right atrium. The patient underwent the surgical removal of the right atrial mass and the explantation of the WATCHMAN device. The WATCHMAN device was explanted with an external incision at the base of the left atrial appendage, facilitating the removal of the device and the closure of the appendage through direct suturing. The pathological examination confirmed the right atrial mass to be a thrombus. The patient was discharged on postoperative Day 13. From the perspectives of simplicity and radicality, the external approach could be a good option.
