Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion with a Watchman Device Following Recurrent Stroke on Warfarin and Rivaroxaban in Patient with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

We present the case of a 66 year-old male with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who experienced recurrent stroke despite treatment with warfarin initially, and rivaroxaban subsequently. After excluding non-cardioembolic causes of recurrent stroke, we proceeded with percutaneous occlusion of the LAA with a Watchman device. Nine months post-procedure he has not experienced recurrence of neurological symptoms. Our case provides anectodal evidence that catheter-based LAA occlusion can be beneficial in secondary stroke prevention where oral anticoagulation has been problematic.
Source: Heart, Lung and Circulation - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Brief Communications Source Type: research