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Updated: Oct 18, 2025

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
The Watchman device for preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation
James Zapata1, Arielle Paamoni, Benjamin Rinard
1James Zapata practices in emergency medicine and is on the emergency medicine fellowship faculty at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, Calif., is an adjunct professor of emergency medicine at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, Calif., and practices in correctional health at San Bernardino County (Calif.) Correctional Facilities. Arielle Paamoni practices in cardiology at Sherev Heart and Vascular Clinic in El Cajon, Calif. Benjamin Rinard practices in emergency medicine at St. Bernadine Medical Center in San Bernardino, Calif. Amir Abdou practices in primary care in Long Beach, Calif. Drew Zimmer practices in emergency medicine at John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Indio, Calif. Cathy Chang Letherer is director of academic education and an associate professor at California Baptist University in Riverside, Calif. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common sustained dysrhythmias that increases in prevalence with age, and is associated with strokes that can lead to significant patient morbidity and mortality. AF prevalence is projected to double over the next 25 years, demonstrating the need for innovative and effective stroke prevention modalities. Two options are direct oral anticoagulants and left atrial appendage occlusion. This article discusses the Watchman device, a left atrial appendage occlusion device that provides an option for patients with contraindications for anticoagulation.
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