Key result
Watchman-FLX achieves successful LAA closure in an AF patient despite a proximal thrombus.
Why the study?
LAA occlusion is generally discouraged when LAA thrombus is present due to embolization risk, leaving limited alternative management options.
Is percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage with Watchman-FLX feasible and safe in the presence of a proximal thrombus?
Case Report (n=1)
Is percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage with Watchman-FLX feasible and safe in the presence of a proximal thrombus?
This case demonstrates the potential feasibility of LAA occlusion using the Watchman-FLX device even in the high-risk scenario of a proximal LAA thrombus.
Supports feasibility of Watchman-FLX closure despite proximal thrombus; hypothesis-generating and requires prospective validation before broader use.
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.
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Gala et al. (2021) conducted a case report in Atrial fibrillation with LAA proximal thrombus (n=1). Watchman-FLX LAA occlusion device was evaluated on Successful LAA occlusion device implant. Successful percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage using the Watchman-FLX device was achieved in a patient with atrial fibrillation despite the presence of a proximal thrombus.
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