Gender differences in outcomes after left atrial appendage closure with Watchman FLX device: insights from the Italian-FLX registry

Abstract

IntroductionCurrent studies have revealed gender-specific differences in cardiovascular outcomes following left atrial appendage closure (LAAC), showing varied results in complication rates and adverse events, especially in short-term assessments. As a result, a notable knowledge gap persists regarding how these differences directly affect the effectiveness and safety of LAAC procedures. The objective of this retrospective study was to examine the clinical outcomes LAAC in both women and men with the Watchman FLX device.MethodsThis retrospective multicenter study analyzes gender-specific outcomes in 650 patients who underwent LAAC with the Watchman FLX device between March 2019 and May 2022, drawn from the ITALIAN-FLX registry.ResultsFindings reveal comparable rates of all-cause mortality, stroke, transient ischemic attack, and major bleeding between men and women at 12 months post-procedure. Notably, no significant gender differences are observed in periprocedural complications or device-related thrombosis and peridevice leak <5 mm at 45 days post-procedure.ConclusionIn conclusion, this study highlights that LAAC using Watchman FLX device demonstrates comparable clinical outcomes between genders in both short and long-term follow-up. The findings suggest that gender-specific differences in peri-procedural complications may not significantly impact overall outcomes.