Abstract

Introduction: Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) therapy is approved for stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) for patients intolerant in long term oral anticoagulation (OAC). Peri-device leak (PDL) is the achilles heel to optimal LAAC and increases stroke risk. Here, we describe the novel use of a second LAAC device for closure of a large PDL in a bilobar appendage. Case: A 66-year-old male with a history of nonvalvular AF with recurrent bleeding on OAC with Watchman 2.5 implant six years prior, presented to our facility for a repeat AF ablation. Pre-procedural imaging showed a PDL of 12 mm with an uncovered posterior lobe, with the Watchman 2.5 covering only the anterior lobe of the appendage. The PDL was closed with a 20 mm Amulet device delivered through a steerable sheath abutting the existing Watchman 2.5 device. The steerability of the sheath allowed for optimal placement of the Amulet device to allow for complete closure. Patient was discharged home on six weeks of dual antiplatelet therapy. Discussion: In our case, a second LAAC device was chosen due to the large size of the PDL. Smaller leaks can be closed using endovascular coils and/or occluder plugs. Larger leaks require additional consideration for closure strategies such as a second LAAC device Conclusions: Our case is the first reported case utilizing a second LAAC device for PDL closure alongside the first device. Steerability of the new Amulet sheath allowed for optimal device placement for complete closure. Additional research is needed on how PDL’s should be addressed for optimal LAAC. Figure 1: Imaging showing PDL into uncovered posterior lobe Figure 2: Complete LAAC with kissing Watchman 2.5 and Amulet

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call