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Updated: Feb 10, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
23:33

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

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Approaches to Left Atrial Appendage Closure: Device Design, Performance, and Limitations

Amish S Dave1, Miguel Valderrábano1

  • 1METHODIST DEBAKEY HEART & VASCULAR CENTER, HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL, HOUSTON, TEXAS.

Methodist Debakey Cardiovascular Journal
|May 11, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases stroke risk. Novel left atrial appendage (LAA) closure devices offer an alternative to anticoagulants, potentially reducing stroke risk in AF patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Devices
  • Stroke Prevention

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects millions, significantly raising stroke risk.
  • Oral anticoagulants are standard for stroke prevention but have limitations like bleeding risk.
  • Most AF-related strokes originate from the left atrial appendage (LAA).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure strategies for stroke prevention in AF.
  • To examine the benefits and drawbacks of LAA closure devices.
  • To explore future directions in managing AF-related stroke risk.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing studies on LAA closure devices.
  • Analysis of percutaneous strategies for LAA occlusion.
  • Examination of clinical outcomes and safety profiles.

Main Results:

  • LAA closure is a promising alternative to anticoagulation for stroke prevention in AF.
  • Various percutaneous devices are available for LAA closure.
  • These devices aim to reduce stroke risk by excluding the LAA as a source of emboli.

Conclusions:

  • Percutaneous LAA closure presents a viable option for patients with AF who are unsuitable for anticoagulation.
  • Further research and device development are ongoing to optimize stroke prevention in AF.
  • LAA closure strategies hold significant potential for reducing the burden of AF-related strokes.

Keywords:
atrial fibrillationcardioembolic strokeleft atrial appendagepercutaneous LAA closurestrokethromboembolism

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