EVALUATION STUDIES
JOURNAL ARTICLE
Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

Left atrial appendage closure: First in man with the 4th generation WATCHMAN device.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the fourth generation WATCHMAN device.

BACKGROUND: The WATCHMAN left atrial appendage (LAA) closure device has been shown to be non-inferior to conventional oral anticoagulation with warfarin for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. A new (fourth) generation of the WATCHMAN device was designed to facilitate easier delivery and improve safety.

METHODS: We conducted a prospective, non-randomized study of LAA closure with use of the 4(th) generation WATCHMAN device in 36 patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Follow-up was performed at 45 days, 6 months and 12 months following implantation.

RESULTS: The mean age of the population was 73 ± 6 years and 67% were male. The mean CHADS2 and CHA2 DS2-VASc Score were 2.5 and 4.5, respectively. The device was implanted successfully in 34/36 (94%). No serious hospital complications related to the device or procedure occurred. During 12 month follow-up, three ischemic strokes (8%), one hemorrhagic stroke (3%), one TIA (3%) and three deaths (9%) occurred. Device-associated thrombus formation was detected in one patient (3%) during six-month follow-up and was treated successfully with low molecular weight heparin.

CONCLUSIONS: LAA closure with the 4(th) generation WATCHMAN device is feasible and safe. New technical features may contribute to a better performance of the occluder, particularly regarding the risk of pericardial effusions.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app