What is the Watchman device used for?
The Watchman device is a plug-style device placed in the ostium of the left atrial appendage to occlude it and prevent thromboembolism. It was studied in the randomized PROTECT AF trial (Watchman Left Atrial Appendage System for Embolic Protection in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation) and PREVAIL trial (Prospective Randomised Evaluation of the Watchman LAA Closure Device in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Versus Long Term Warfarin Therapy), as well as the nonrandomized CAP (Continued Access Registry), demonstrating non- significant numerically greater thrombotic risk with the device but lower bleeding risk and over- all net benefit. The Watchman device is the only currently available device with US Food and Drug Administration approval for left atrial append- age closure.