Transhepatic Vascular Access for Implantation of a Watchman Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device

Abstract

Conventional access through femoral veins may be limited due to tortuosity and venous occlusion secondary to venous thrombosis or congenital anomalies. Another alternative is subclavian veins, but the difficulty in catheter manipulation and stability makes it less favorable in comparison to the transhepatic access for the delivery of the Watchman device.