Valvular & structural heart diseaseResearch article
Safety and efficacy of Watchman extraction using a double transseptal approach
- multicenter experience
- consecutive patients
- 2 United States centers
- 2019 and 2024
Authors' conclusion
Percutaneous Watchman retrieval is technically feasible when performed in highly experienced centers with dedicated equipment and surgical backup. For Watchman FLX devices firmly anchored to the LAA ostium, a transfabric technique can facilitate retrieval.
Study context
- Population
- Patients undergoing percutaneous retrieval of Watchman 2.5 or FLX devicespatients who underwent percutaneous retrieval of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) devices
- Participants
- 10 patients
- Comparison
- Retrieval via single or double transseptal approach
- single transseptal approachn = 3
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Device status before retrieval
dislodged
9 (90%)
embolized
1 (10%)
Further findings
| Outcome | single transseptal approach | double transseptal approach |
|---|---|---|
| Successful retrieval | only 1 (33%) successful | successful in 7 patients (70%) |
- Successful retrieval — double transseptal approach: required transfabric access because of device firmly anchored to the LAA ostium
- 4 (40%)
- Successful retrieval: single transseptal approach used in 3 patients (30%)
Timing of retrieval procedure
patients
- within 1 week
- 3 (30%)
- within 3 months
- 7 (70%)
Patient characteristics
- male
- 6 male; 60%
Original publication
Safety and efficacy of Watchman extraction using a double transseptal approach. Heart Rhythm. Published 20 March 2026. doi:10.1016/j.hrthm.2026.03.1894
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it