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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Robotic Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: Insights From Real-World Practice
Massimo Baudo1, Yoshiyuki Yamashita1,2, Amanda Yakobitis2
1Department of Cardiac Surgery Research, Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Main Line Health, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, USA.
Objective:
We report our initial cases of robotic left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) device deployment.
Methods:
From June 2021 to December 2024, all consecutive patients undergoing robotic-assisted LAAO (isolated or with robotic-assisted CABG) using an epicardial clip were enroled. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB 45CFR164.512).
Results:
A total of 28 patients were included, 22 of which underwent a concomitant CABG. Transesophageal echocardiogram confirmed excellent exclusion of the LA appendage in all but one patient. There were no postoperative strokes, myocardial infarctions, reoperation for bleeding, unplanned revascularisation, or deaths. At a median of 1.4 [0.9-1.8] years, there was 1 non-cardiac mortality (cancer) and 1 stroke. Nine (32.1%) patients were off OAC, while 21 (75.0%) were off class I-III antiarrhythmic drugs.
Conclusions:
These early results show optimal stroke prevention outcomes, considering the high-risk level of the patients. Longer follow-up is warranted to confirm these outcomes.
