Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 25, 2026
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Redo Left Atrial Appendage Closure With a Different Device After Initial Dislodgement
Qi Jin1, Li Li2, Liming Zhang3
1Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Background:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) often requires long-term anticoagulation to reduce thromboembolic risk, but limitations, such as poor compliance and bleeding risks, make left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) a key alternative. Device dislodgment is a rare but critical LAAC complication, with limited data on successful retrieval and subsequent reimplantation.
Case Summary:
A 72-year-old male patient with AF (CHA2DS2-VASc score: 5, HAS-BLED score: 3) underwent LAAC with a LAmbre occluder, which dislodged perioperatively. The device was successfully retrieved percutaneously, followed by reimplantation of a Watchman occluder without complications. Postprocedure imaging confirmed proper positioning.
Discussion:
This is the first report of successful percutaneous retrieval of a dislodged LAmbre occluder and subsequent reimplantation of an alternative device, addressing both the complication of LAAC and the original indication for LAAC.
Take-Home Messages:
Percutaneous retrieval of a dislodged LAAC device with immediate reimplantation is feasible, offering a practical approach to managing such rare complications in high-risk patients with AF.
