Caged-in: Successful percutaneous closure of left atrial appendage with Watchman-FLX in the presence of proximal thrombus

J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2021 Jun;32(6):1655-1657. doi: 10.1111/jce.15068. Epub 2021 May 11.

Abstract

Percutaneous mechanical closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is a valuable stroke prevention strategy in patients with atrial fibrillation and contraindication to oral anticoagulation. LAA thrombus is a common finding in patients with atrial fibrillation and frequently fails to resolve despite therapeutic anticoagulation. In this scenario, LAA occlusion device implant is generally discouraged due to the high risk of thrombus dislodgement and embolization; however, alternative management options are limited. We report the first case of a successful LAA occlusion device (Watchman-FLX) implant in the presence of a proximal thrombus.

Keywords: Watchman-FLX; left atrial appendage occlusion; proximal thrombus; stroke prevention.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Atrial Appendage* / diagnostic imaging
  • Atrial Appendage* / surgery
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / diagnosis
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Diseases*
  • Humans
  • Stroke* / diagnostic imaging
  • Stroke* / etiology
  • Stroke* / prevention & control
  • Thrombosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Thrombosis* / etiology