Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure With the Watchman Device

Abstract

LAA closure with the Watchman device is safe and feasible for stroke protection in patients with atrial fibrillation. Low ischemic events rates demonstrate its effectiveness during long-term follow-up.

Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion for Secondary Stroke Prevention in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Long-Term Results

“…The results of the PROTECT AF study showed that primary stroke risk reduction is comparable with percutaneous LAAC and anticoagulant treatment [8,9]. Currently, LAAC procedures are performed widely in clinical practice [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. To date, the long-term efficacy of the LAAC procedure in patients with previous stroke has not been studied.…”

Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure: here to stay

“…Thrombus formation on the device was detected in 2 of 41 patients who received dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after their procedures. The authors concluded that LAA closure with WATCHMAN to be safe and conferred effective long-term cardioembolic protection in light of the low ischemic event-rates observed (9).…”

Left atrial appendage exclusion for atrial fibrillation: does the protection from stroke prevail in the long-term?

“…The study by Wiebe et al in 2015 in JACC Interventions is a timely study addressing these concerns (6). The authors reported results up to 5 years follow-up from a cohort of 96 patients who underwent percutaneous appendage closure using the Watchman device at a single center.…”

“…Its efficacy for stroke prevention was tested in randomized clinical trials PROTECT AF and PREVAIL (3)(4)(5). In the December 2015 edition of JACC Interventions, Wiebe et al report long-term single center outcomes with the Watchman device (6). Before judging the efficacy of the Watchman device for stroke prevention, it is important to take a step back and understand the etiology of stroke in AF.…”