Direct implantation of a left atrial appendage occluder during cardiothoracic surgery

Abstract Surgical suture or exclusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is a commonly performed technique in patients undergoing cardiothoracic revascularization and/or valve repair. However, incomplete surgical sealing of the LAA is not a rare phenomenon and has been shown to strongly increase the risk for future cerebrovascular embolic events. We report the first in man implantation of a Watchman LAA occluder during redo minimally invasive open-heart surgery. This approach offers a new alternative for LAA occlusion in patients for whom surgery is scheduled.