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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
WATCHMAN left atrial appendage system for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: a percutaneous-device delivery
Stamatios Lerakis1, Andreas Synetos
1Emory University School of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, 1365A Clifton Road, NE, Suite AT-503, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. stam_lerakis@emoryhealthcare.org
Insights
Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion using the WATCHMAN device shows potential for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation patients. However, long-term safety and efficacy require further investigation through randomized trials.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Stroke Prevention
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation increases stroke risk.
- Warfarin is standard anticoagulation but has contraindications.
- Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion offers a potential alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate initial worldwide experience with the WATCHMAN LAA system.
- To assess the feasibility of LAA occlusion for stroke prevention.
Main Methods:
- The study reports initial worldwide experience with the WATCHMAN LAA system.
- Data on LAA occlusion devices, including PLAATO and WATCHMAN, were reviewed.
Main Results:
- Initial results suggest WATCHMAN LAA occlusion may reduce long-term stroke risk.
- LAA occlusion appears technically feasible.
Conclusions:
- LAA occlusion is a potential alternative to warfarin for specific atrial fibrillation patients.
- Long-term safety and stroke reduction efficacy of LAA occlusion devices remain to be proven.
- Prospective randomized studies are needed to confirm LAA occlusion as an alternative treatment strategy.
Abstract:
Sick PB, Schuler G, Hauptmann KE et al.: Initial worldwide experience with the WATCHMAN left atrial appendage system for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 49(13), 1490-1495 (2007). Left atrium appendage (LAA) occlusion is a potential alternative to warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation who have contraindications to anticoagulation. Currently, there are two devices specifically designed for LAA occlusion: the percutaneous LAA transcatheter occlusion (PLAATO System, ev3 Inc., MN, USA) and the WATCHMAN LAA system (Atritech Inc., MN, USA). Initial results from a study with the WATCHMAN device suggest that the LAA occlusion may reduce the long-term risk for stroke. Available data are still very limited and although occluding the LAA appears to be technically feasible, its long-term safety and ability to reduce stroke incidence remains to be proven. Only prospective randomized studies will be able to tell us if the LAA occlusion devices can be used as an alternative treatment strategy to the standard long-term anticoagulation.
