“…1 The AtriClip (AtriCure) which is currently being used in the LAAOS III trial is available since 2007 and, besides the fact that over 40 000 devices have been implanted so far, data from a first-in-man study suggest an excellent safety, efficacy, and durability profile. 2,3 While re-or rest-perfusion is an established problem with interventional devices such as the WATCHMAN, 1 in this pilot trial, serial computed-tomography showed 100% durable occlusion of the LAA in all patients at 3-year follow-up. 3 Next, a second epicardial device, the Tiger-Paw (MAQUET), was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and introduced into the market.…”