Rise of the Machines: WATCHMAN Device Gone Rogue
Abstract
A 68-year-old man with a past medical history of atrial fibrillation with ablation and WATCHMAN procedure performed 5 days prior presented with bilateral lower extremity numbness, right leg weakness, and low back pain. His examination was significant for midline lumbar spine tenderness in the L1 to L2 distribution, diminished strength in the right lower extremity, and decreased sensation in his bilateral lower extremities. Computed tomography of the lumbar spine was performed with contrast, which demonstrated embolization of the WATCHMAN device to the abdominal aorta, between the celiac axis and the superior mesenteric artery (Fig.)
Fields of Study & Subjects
Atrial Fibrillation Management and Outcomes
Cardiovascular and Diving-Related Complications
Aortic Thrombus and Embolism
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open
- Volume
- 7
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 100332–100332
- Publication date
- 7 February 2026
- Language
- EN