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2026 AF Symposium
Pre-recorded Case—Results of Concomitant Ablation (Catheter Ablation+Watchman Device) in 209 Patients
Pre-recorded Case—Results of Concomitant Ablation (Catheter Ablation+Watchman Device) in 209 PatientsConcomitant ablation is becoming a standardized or normal practice at many A-Fib centers. I counted 9 sessions and/or cases dealing with concomitant ablation at this year’s AF Symposium. (See also my report on Dr. David Weisman’s live transmission of a Concomitant Ablation using the Nuvision 4-D ICE system.)
Dr. Devi G Nair
Dr. Devi Nair (St. Bernards Healthcare, Jonesboro, AR) gave a pre-recorded case presentation on “Concomitant Farawave PVI and Watchman LAA Closure Using Siemens 4-D ICE Catheter.”
PVI Offered Along with LAA Closure
During the pre-recorded procedure, we saw Dr. Nair performing a Concomitant Ablation in her EP lab in Arkansas. She explained that patients seeking to close off their Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) to prevent stroke are also offered a catheter ablation (PVI) at the same time.
The 4-D images seemed remarkably vivid and seemed to greatly facilitate the ablation. She did not have to use fluoroscopy.
Results of Concomitant Ablation: Safe & Effective
Image ACUSON Nuvision 4-D ICE system (stock image)
Dr. Nair discussed the results of performing Concomitant Ablation on 209 patients.
Her success rate in installing the Watchman was 100% with 94% of patients only needing the standard size Watchman. [There are different sizes of Watchman devices to fit the varying shapes and volume of LAAs].
Patients were checked for safety at 30 days and were followed up for 920 days. A CT scan was performed as follow-up in 80% of patients. There were no LAA leaks over 2mm.
Dr. Nair concluded that Concomitant Ablation was not just viable but contributed to effective workflow.
Editor’s Comments
Editor’s CommentsConcomitant Ablation Successful in a Large Group of Patients: Dr. Nair added to Dr. Weisman’s work by showing how Concomitant Ablation was successfully done in a large group of over 200 patients.
Concomitant Ablation Easy to Do: Concomitant Ablation is feasible, practical, and, in Dr. Nair’s work, has been successful with many patients.
In both Dr. Weisman’s and Dr. Nair’s research, 4-D imaging seems a striking improvement over current visualization systems.
What Patients Need to Know: Concomitant Ablation should now be a valid option patients may choose. If you need an ablation and a Watchman occlusion device, why undergo two separate procedures?
Don’t Settle for Less. If your doctor wants you to do two separate procedures, get a second opinion about getting them done at the same time.
(See also my report on Dr. David Weisman’s live transmission of a Concomitant Ablation using the Nuvision 4-D ICE system.)
