WATCHMEN: a case report highlighting the closure of a bilobed left atrial appendage using two WATCHMAN-FLX devices.

Eur Heart J Case Rep

Department of Interventional Cardiology, Ascension Borgess Hospital, GOC 331, 1521 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49048, USA.

Published: December 2023

Background: Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) performed percutaneously has emerged as a widely accepted method for stroke prevention, offering a viable alternative to anticoagulation. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of this procedure. However, in certain cases, the use of a single LAAO device may not adequately achieve optimal closure due to variations in the anatomy of the left atrial appendage (LAA).

Case Summary: In this manuscript, we highlight the successful closure of a bilobed LAA with a large ostium utilizing two WATCHMAN™ FLX devices and using the double sheath technique. The aim was to achieve optimal closure and address the unique anatomical characteristics of the patient's LAA.

Discussion: The utilization of two LAAO devices in bilobed appendage anatomy, where a single device may not be sufficient, is possible, although it poses a challenge because of the lack of technical expertise and limited published evidence. Transoesophageal imaging can serve as a valuable tool for assessing the precise anatomy of the LAA and guide the selection and placement of the occlusion devices.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10716089PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ehjcr/ytad607DOI Listing

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