Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Stroke Prevention in AF
In the setting of NVAF with increased stroke risk, systemic embolism, or CV death, patients who are treated with the Watchman device for LAAC have marked reduction in hemorrhagic stroke, CV death, and major non–procedural-related bleeding compared to patients treated with chronic warfarin. This is balanced by a smaller magnitude increase in ischemic stroke in device treated patients that may reflect the diverse etiology of stroke in this population.
Conclusions
In the setting of NVAF with increased stroke risk, systemic embolism, or CV death, patients who are treated with the Watchman device for LAAC have marked reduction in hemorrhagic stroke, CV death, and major non–procedural-related bleeding compared to patients treated with chronic warfarin. This is balanced by a smaller magnitude increase in ischemic stroke in device treated patients that may reflect the diverse etiology of stroke in this population.