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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

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Left Atrial Appendage Closure: A Narrative Review

Takashi Nagasaka1,2, Mamoo Nakamura3

  • 1Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Cardiology and Therapy
|November 8, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases stroke risk. Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) offers a mechanical alternative to blood thinners, reducing bleeding events for patients with AF.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Devices
  • Interventional Cardiology

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia linked to a higher risk of thromboembolic events, particularly in the elderly.
  • Left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus is a primary source of emboli in AF patients, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.
  • Oral anticoagulation therapy is the standard preventive treatment but carries an increased risk of bleeding.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current perspectives and outcomes of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) as a preventive intervention for thromboembolic events in AF patients.
  • To evaluate LAAC as an alternative to pharmacologic therapy, focusing on its safety and efficacy.
  • To highlight the advancements in transcatheter LAAC devices and their impact on patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes data from recent clinical trials and existing literature on transcatheter LAAC devices.
  • It examines the evolution of LAAC device technology and its clinical performance.
  • The review focuses on comparative outcomes between LAAC and traditional anticoagulation therapy.

Main Results:

  • Transcatheter LAAC has emerged as a feasible mechanical intervention to prevent thromboembolic events.
  • Newer generation LAAC devices demonstrate improved safety profiles and clinical outcomes.
  • LAAC offers a viable alternative for patients at high risk of bleeding with oral anticoagulation.

Conclusions:

  • Left atrial appendage closure is an effective strategy for reducing stroke risk in AF patients, especially those with contraindications to anticoagulation.
  • Ongoing advancements in LAAC technology continue to enhance its safety and efficacy.
  • LAAC represents a significant development in the management of AF-related thromboembolic risk.

Keywords:
Atrial fibrillationThromboembolic eventsTranscatheter left atrial appendage closure

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