What are the clinical outcomes of using the WATCHMAN left atrial appendage closure device for embolic protection in patients with atrial fibrillation?
The assessment of device-related thrombus and associated clinical outcomes with the WATCHMAN left atrial appendage closure device for embolic protection in patients with atrial fibrillation was studied in the PROTECT-AF Trial. Results of the trial showed that the device-related thrombus rate at 1 month was 0.8%, and the rate of major stroke, systemic embolism, and cardiovascular/unexplained death was 1.3%, 1.8%, and 2.6%, respectively. Additionally, results from the Continued Access Registry showed a device-related thrombus rate of 1.8% at 1 month and a rate of major stroke, systemic embolism, and cardiovascular/unexplained death of 2.1%, 2.9%, and 4.2%, respectively.