Who watches the WATCHMAN? A rare case of lower extremity paralysis.
Terryce BlanchardKeenan HackerJustin GrillJoseph A BetcherPublished in: Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians open (2023)
We present a case study involving an elderly patient who experienced dislodgement of a recently implanted WATCHMAN device. Initially, the patient exhibited multiple musculoskeletal symptoms, which raised concerns about alternative causes such as cauda equina syndrome or spinal epidural hematoma. Despite vascular surgery removing the device, the patient's condition deteriorated due to ischemia leading to multisystem organ failure. This case highlights the critical need for emergency physicians to promptly diagnose acute aortic obstruction caused by embolization, given the increasing use of the WATCHMAN device in the aging population to reduce the reliance on anticoagulation. The potential for significant ischemic consequences necessitates immediate intervention to mitigate complications.
Keyphrases
- case report
- left atrial appendage
- rare case
- spinal cord
- randomized controlled trial
- atrial fibrillation
- primary care
- public health
- minimally invasive
- healthcare
- liver failure
- venous thromboembolism
- aortic dissection
- aortic valve
- respiratory failure
- physical activity
- climate change
- coronary artery
- intensive care unit
- acute coronary syndrome
- human health
- catheter ablation