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Updated: May 17, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
[Antithrombotic prevention in atrial fibrillation: the new anticoagulant drugs]
Ornella Durin1, Giorgio Donato, Massimiliano Nanetti
1Dipartimento Cardiocerebrovascolare, A.O. Ospedale Maggiore, Crema. ornelladurin@libero.it
Abstract:
Thromboembolic events are the most dangerous complications in patients with atrial fibrillation, affecting the central nervous system in 93% of cases. Vitamin K antagonists have been in clinical use since the '50s for the prevention of thromboembolism. Although effective, vitamin K antagonists have several limitations that render them difficult to administer, which have prompted the need for new antithrombotic strategies. The new class of oral anti-IIa and anti-Xa agents appears to be a promising alternative to overcome these limitations.
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