Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
The WATCHMAN left atrial appendage closure device for patients with atrial fibrillation: current status and future
Lisette I S Wintgens1, Moniek Maarse1, Martin J Swaans1
1St. Antonius Hospital, Heartcenter , Nieuwegein, The Netherlands.
Insights
Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) with the Watchman device offers a safe and effective alternative to oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Future research aims to establish LAAC as a primary treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Stroke Prevention
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) significantly increases stroke risk.
- The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a primary source of thrombus in AF patients.
- Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is recommended but carries bleeding risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status, safety, and efficacy of the Watchman device for LAAC.
- To explore future perspectives of LAAC in stroke prevention for AF patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of available literature on LAAC with the Watchman device.
- Summary of clinical safety and efficacy data.
- Discussion of future research directions.
Main Results:
- LAAC with the Watchman device shows promise as a safe and effective alternative to OAC.
- The device may overcome OAC-related bleeding risks.
Conclusions:
- LAAC with Watchman is a promising alternative to OAC for stroke prevention in AF.
- Further studies are needed to compare LAAC devices, optimize patient selection, and evaluate antithrombotic strategies.
- LAAC may evolve from a last resort to a first-line treatment for AF patients.
Introduction:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of stroke. Stroke prevention with oral anticoagulation (OAC) is recommended in AF patients at increased risk of stroke. The left atrial appendage (LAA) is the main source of thrombus formation in AF patients. The WATCHMAN percutaneous LAA closure (LAAC) device may serve as an alternative to OAC overcoming disadvantages including the risk of (major) bleeding.
Areas Covered:
This review will focus on LAAC with the Watchman device for stroke prevention in AF patients. Current status, available literature, clinical safety and efficacy will be summarized. Furthermore, the future perspectives of Watchman will be discussed.
Expert Opinion:
LAAC with Watchman appears a promising, safe, and effective alternative to OAC. Ongoing and future studies to consolidate the position of Watchman should focus on comparative safety and efficacy of different LAAC devices, patient selection, various post-procedural antithrombotic regimens, head-to-head comparisons with NOAC, better understanding of device-related thrombus, and the role of the LAA in the propagation of non-valvular AF. This research may attribute to a paradigm shift in which LAAC no longer serves as a 'last resort' treatment for AF patients ineligible for OAC but may serve as a second-line or even first-line treatment option for AF patients.
More Related Videos
28:13Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
16:40A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation
Published on: February 28, 2012