Arrhythmias & electrophysiology
Zero-fluoroscopy approach to left atrial appendage closure using intracardiac echo guidance
Authors' conclusion
LAAC with the Watchman™ device using ICE imaging and without the use of fluoroscopy appears to be safe and effective. The rates of procedural success, complications, and peri-device leaks on 45 day follow up were consistent with that seen in pivotal clinical trials. Further studies are needed to assess the broader applicability of this technique.
Study context
- Population
- Patients undergoing left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) with the Watchman FLX™ or Watchman FLX™ Pro device using intracardiac echo (ICE) imaging without fluoroscopy
- Participants
- 214 patients
- Outcome
- LAAC completed without the use of fluoroscopy
Methodological detailsplanned fluoroscopy-free approach
- Planned fluoroscopy-free approach
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Completed without fluoroscopy
203/214 patients
94.8%
Further findings
Bail-out fluoroscopy required
- Bail-out fluoroscopy
- 11/214 patients (5.1%)
Successful device implantation
- Successful device implantation
- 212/214 patients (99.1%)
Any peri-device leak · 45 days post-procedure
- Any peri-device leak
- 11.6%
Safety
Procedural complications
- Pericardial effusion
- one
- Ventricular tachycardia
- one
Original publication
Zero-fluoroscopy approach to left atrial appendage closure using intracardiac echo guidance. Heart Rhythm. Published 22 October 2026. doi:10.
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it