Key result
WATCHMAN FLX achieves successful percutaneous closure of incompletely ligated LAA.
Why the study?
Previously surgically ligated left atrial appendages can recanalize, increasing stroke risk, and percutaneous closure of such appendages is technically challenging due to altered morphology.
Case Report (n=1)
Percutaneous closure of an incompletely ligated left atrial appendage using a WATCHMAN FLX device is feasible and relies heavily on thorough pre-procedural imaging.
Percutaneous closure may be feasible for recanalized surgical LAA; leaves open safety, efficacy, and stroke outcomes in larger cohorts.
Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of ischemic stroke by increasing left atrial appendage thrombus formation. Previously surgically ligated atrial appendages can recanalize, which increases stroke risk. Percutaneous ligation of such appendages is technically challenging due to altered morphology but feasible. We present a case of a successful percutaneous closure of a previously incompletely ligated atrial appendage using a WATCHMAN FLX device and discuss our approach to similar cases with challenging anatomy. Thorough pre-procedural imaging for case planning is indispensable and dictates feasibility and procedural success.
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Sood et al. (2025) conducted a case report in Atrial fibrillation with incompletely ligated left atrial appendage (n=1). Percutaneous closure using WATCHMAN FLX device was evaluated on Procedural success. Percutaneous closure of a previously incompletely ligated left atrial appendage using a WATCHMAN FLX device was successful, demonstrating feasibility with thorough pre-procedural imaging.
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