Surgical Removal of a Migrated WATCHMAN Device

Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J. 2024 Sep 2;20(1):80-86. doi: 10.14797/mdcvj.1414. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

The WATCHMAN™ atrial appendage closure device is designed to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who are not suitable candidates for long-term oral anticoagulation therapy. However, the device also carries small risks, including procedural complications such as device migration, embolization, or pericardial effusion. We describe a case of WATCHMAN device migration requiring surgical retrieval.

Keywords: WATCHMAN device; atrial fibrillation; left atrial appendage closure; modified maze procedure; sternotomy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Atrial Appendage* / diagnostic imaging
  • Atrial Appendage* / surgery
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / diagnosis
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / physiopathology
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / surgery
  • Cardiac Catheterization / adverse effects
  • Cardiac Catheterization / instrumentation
  • Device Removal*
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal
  • Female
  • Foreign-Body Migration* / diagnostic imaging
  • Foreign-Body Migration* / etiology
  • Foreign-Body Migration* / surgery
  • Foreign-Body Migration* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Treatment Outcome