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Updated: Dec 25, 2025
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Closure of the left atrial appendage using percutaneous transcatheter occlusion devices
Carola Gianni1, Alisara Anannab1,2, Anu Sahore Salwan1
1Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David's Medical Center, Austin, Texas.
Insights
Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure devices offer stroke prevention for high-risk patients. This review covers practical aspects of four LAA occlusion devices: Watchman, Amulet, WaveCrest, and LAmbre.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Interventional Procedures
Background:
- Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is an alternative stroke prevention strategy.
- Oral anticoagulation is contraindicated for some high-risk patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss practical aspects of percutaneous LAA occlusion devices.
- To review four specific LAA closure devices: Watchman, Amulet, WaveCrest, and LAmbre.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of percutaneous transcatheter occlusion devices.
- Discussion of practical considerations for LAA closure.
Main Results:
- Four LAA occlusion devices (Watchman, Amulet, WaveCrest, LAmbre) are available.
- Practical aspects of their use in stroke prevention are detailed.
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous LAA closure is a viable option for stroke risk reduction.
- Understanding device-specific practicalities is crucial for successful implementation.
Abstract:
Closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) using percutaneous transcatheter occlusion devices is used for stroke prevention as an alternative for patients with a high risk and contraindications for long-term oral anticoagulation use. In this manuscript, we will discuss the practical aspects of four among the available devices that provide percutaneous intravascular closure of the LAA: Watchman, Amulet, WaveCrest, and LAmbre.
