Dislodgement of a recently implanted WATCHMAN device caused acute aortic obstruction, severe ischemia, and multisystem organ failure in an elderly patient.
Case Report (n=1)
This case highlights the rare but severe complication of WATCHMAN device embolization causing acute aortic obstruction and the need for prompt diagnosis.
We present a case study involving an elderly patient who experienced dislodgement of a recently implanted WATCHMAN device. Initially, the patient exhibited multiple musculoskeletal symptoms, which raised concerns about alternative causes such as cauda equina syndrome or spinal epidural hematoma. Despite vascular surgery removing the device, the patient's condition deteriorated due to ischemia leading to multisystem organ failure. This case highlights the critical need for emergency physicians to promptly diagnose acute aortic obstruction caused by embolization, given the increasing use of the WATCHMAN device in the aging population to reduce the reliance on anticoagulation. The potential for significant ischemic consequences necessitates immediate intervention to mitigate complications.
Blanchard et al. (Sun,) conducted a case report in WATCHMAN device dislodgement (n=1). WATCHMAN device dislodgement was evaluated. Dislodgement of a recently implanted WATCHMAN device caused acute aortic obstruction, severe ischemia, and multisystem organ failure in an elderly patient.
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