Redo minimally invasive LAA closure with WATCHMAN device

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Devices
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is crucial for preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.
• Anticoagulation therapy is the standard treatment but can fail or be contraindicated.
• Prior cardiac surgery can complicate standard LAA closure procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the feasibility of using the WATCHMAN device for LAA closure in a patient with a history of cardiac surgery.
• To provide an alternative LAA closure method when standard devices are not suitable.

Main Methods:

• Video demonstration of a transcatheter-based implantation of the FDA- and EMA-approved WATCHMAN device.
• Procedure performed in a patient with prior heart surgery where AtriClip device implantation was not feasible.

Main Results:

• Successful implantation of the WATCHMAN device for LAA closure.
• Demonstration of a viable alternative to surgical LAA closure in complex cases.

Conclusions:

• The WATCHMAN device offers a safe and effective alternative for LAA closure in patients with prior cardiac surgery.
• Minimally invasive LAA closure with WATCHMAN can be considered when standard approaches are contraindicated or technically challenging.