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Updated: Aug 18, 2026
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Left Circumflex Artery Occlusion in Chronic Phase After Left Atrial Appendage Closure
Shota Kajiyama1, Takeshi Arita1, Takeshi Serikawa1
1Fukuoka Wajiro Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan.
Insights
A rare, delayed complication of Watchman device implantation for atrial fibrillation closure is reported: left circumflex artery occlusion. This case highlights the need for vigilant long-term monitoring after Watchman procedures.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- The Watchman device is utilized for left atrial appendage closure in patients with atrial fibrillation.
- It has demonstrated a favorable safety profile for clinical application.
Background:
The Watchman device (Boston Scientific) is designed for left atrial appendage closure and has shown sufficient safety for clinical use.
Case Summary:
We report a 70-year-old woman with chronic atrial fibrillation (CHA2DS2-VASc score: 4, HAS-BLED score: 3) and bronchiectasis with occasional hemoptysis who underwent successful percutaneous left atrial appendage closure with a 35-mm Watchman FLX device. The initial postoperative course was uneventful; however, she presented with persistent chest pain 2.5 years later. Computed tomography and coronary angiography revealed near-complete occlusion of the left circumflex artery.
Discussion:
Complications after Watchman implantation are rare, and left circumflex artery occlusion associated with the device is extremely unusual, with no previous reports of such delayed coronary obstruction.
Take-Home Message:
This case illustrates a unique chronic complication of Watchman implantation and the importance of careful anatomical evaluation and long-term follow-up.
