Multiple systemic paradoxical embolisation of a lower limb deep vein thrombosis due to interatrial septal puncture: a rare complication of left atrial appendage occlusion

Abstract

A 75-year-old woman with a history of intracranial haemorrhage, atrial fibrillation and coronary artery bypass graft underwent elective left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for stroke prevention. The procedure was successful, however on the third postoperative day, she presented with a lymph leak at the right femoral venous access site. She was admitted for conservative management of the lymph leak with immobility and intravenous fluids. Her inpatient stay was complicated by a right lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT), left middle cerebral artery territory ischaemic stroke, pulmonary emboli (PEs) and a splenic infarction. The mechanism of the systemic emboli was that of paradoxical emboli from the DVT passing through an interatrial septal defect created as part of the LAAO procedure, a previously unreported complication of LAAO. She was managed with 6 months of low-dose oral anticoagulation for treatment of DVT and PE and has made a full neurological recovery.

Keywords: arrhythmias; interventional cardiology; stroke; venous thromboembolism.