Demonstrates that complete endothelialization of the Watchman device may not occur even >3 years post-implantation, contrary to expectations from animal models.
We report an unusual case of incomplete endothelialization of the Watchman device >3 years after its implantation. Animal data suggest that device endothelialization occurs ∼45 days post-implantation; however, data on humans are lacking. Guidelines on anticoagulation are based on expectation from animal studies. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)
Batnyam et al. (Wed,) studied this question.