Key result
An embolized Watchman device in the thoracic aorta was successfully retrieved percutaneously using a homemade snare created from a long sheath, J-wire, and a regular snare.
Case Report (n=1)
No
A homemade snare technique can be successfully used for the percutaneous retrieval of an embolized left atrial appendage closure device from the descending aorta when surgical access is not feasible.
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Device migration remains a rare complication; this case extends percutaneous retrieval options but leaves open standardized prevention strategies.
A 60-year old male with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation underwent a combined procedure of left atrial appendage occlusion and pulmonary vein isolation. However, an acute intraprocedural 24-mm Watchman device dislodgement occurred, and thus a decision for urgent surgery was made. However, it was noted during the surgery that the device had migrated further to the descending aorta, just distal to the left subclavian artery. Since a right sternotomy access for retrieval was not feasible, a percutaneous approach was justified. A homemade snare was created using a combination of a long sheath, J-wire, and a regular snare, and the device was successfully retrieved without significant difficulty.
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Lubis et al. (2021) conducted a case report in Embolized Watchman device during left atrial appendage closure (n=1). Percutaneous retrieval using a homemade snare was evaluated on Device retrieval. An embolized Watchman device in the thoracic aorta was successfully retrieved percutaneously using a homemade snare created from a long sheath, J-wire, and a regular snare.
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