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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
A novel approach to left atrial appendage exclusion: the WATCHMAN device
Alexander Gorodnitskiy1, Richard J Lucariello, Anthony Aizer
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Lankenau Hospital, Wynnewood, PA 19096, USA. alexander.gorodnitskiy@downstate.edu
Insights
Atrial fibrillation increases stroke risk, but warfarin has drawbacks. Closing the left atrial appendage (LAA) with devices like WATCHMAN offers a safe and effective stroke reduction strategy for AF patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia linked to embolic stroke.
- Warfarin, a standard anticoagulant, is underused due to bleeding risks and monitoring needs.
- The left atrial appendage (LAA) is the primary source of thrombi causing stroke in AF patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of LAA closure devices for stroke reduction in AF patients.
- To assess the WATCHMAN device as a potential alternative to oral anticoagulation.
Main Methods:
- Review of data from the PROTECT AF trial.
- Analysis of LAA closure device implantation procedures.
- Assessment of stroke incidence and bleeding complications post-procedure.
Main Results:
- The WATCHMAN device demonstrated safety and efficacy in LAA closure.
- LAA closure was shown to be an effective strategy for stroke reduction in AF patients.
- The PROTECT AF trial provides recent evidence supporting WATCHMAN's performance.
Conclusions:
- Left atrial appendage closure is a viable strategy for reducing stroke risk in AF patients.
- The WATCHMAN device is a safe and effective option for LAA closure.
- Further research supports LAA closure as an alternative to long-term anticoagulation.
Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation (AF), a very common cardiac arrhythmia, is a well-recognized predisposing factor for embolic stroke. While warfarin remains the cornerstone of anticoagulant treatment in patients with AF, it is often underutilized because of increased bleeding complications and frequent monitoring requirements. It has been documented that the left atrial appendage (LAA) is the main source of left atrial thrombus that causes strokes in AF patients. Thus, closure of the LAA may be an effective strategy in stroke reduction. Several devices have been used in closure of the LAA. The WATCHMAN device appears to be a safe and efficacious device for closure of the LAA as recently demonstrated in the PROTECT AF trial.
