Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
23:33
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
83.9K
EXPRESS-LAAO protocol with the new WATCHMAN FLX Pro device.
Marco Frazzetto1, Luis Augusto Palma Dallan1, Pedro Soares Texeira1
1Division of Cardiology, Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio.
The Journal of Invasive Cardiology
|June 18, 2025
Summary
The WATCHMAN FLX Pro device and EXPRESS-LAAO protocol show high success for left atrial appendage occlusion in high-risk patients. This new device is safe and effective for stroke risk reduction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is an alternative to anticoagulation for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation.
- The WATCHMAN FLX Pro device offers improved features for LAAO procedures.
- The EXPRESS-LAAO protocol standardizes patient management for LAAO.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the procedural outcomes and short-term follow-up of the WATCHMAN FLX Pro LAAO device.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of the EXPRESS-LAAO protocol in a high-volume center.
- To investigate the utility of the new device features in complex anatomies.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of 109 patients undergoing LAAO with the WATCHMAN FLX Pro device.
- Utilized the EXPRESS-LAAO protocol including advanced imaging and conscious sedation.
- Employed intracardiac echocardiography for procedural guidance.
Main Results:
- High procedural success rate of 99.1% with minimal complications.
- The 40-mm device size was successfully used in 7.3% of patients with large anatomies.
- Short-term follow-up showed low rates of stroke and bleeding events.
Conclusions:
- The WATCHMAN FLX Pro device, used with the EXPRESS-LAAO protocol, is safe and effective for LAAO.
- The device's enhanced features facilitate implantation, even in complex cases.
- Findings support the clinical utility of this LAAO strategy in high-risk patient populations.
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