The Efficacy and Safety of the WATCHMAN Device in LAA Occlusion in Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation Contraindicated to Oral Anticoagulation: A Focused Review

The Efficacy and Safety of the WATCHMAN Device in LAA Occlusion in Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation Contraindicated to Oral Anticoagulation: A Focused Review

The standard treatment for stroke risk patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is the use of oral anticoagulants (OACs). However, a substantial number of patients have relative or absolute contraindications to OACs due to concerns of major bleeding risk and other adverse effects while...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annals of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Vol. 24; no. 6; pp. 271 - 278
Main Authors: Majule, David Nehemiah, Jing, Chang, Rutahoile, Willfredius Mugishagwe, Shonyela, Felix Samuel
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Japan The Editorial Committee of Annals of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 01-01-2018
Subjects:
atrial fibrillation
contraindication
left atrial appendage
oral anticoagulation
Review
watchman device
atrial fibrillation
watchman device
left atrial appendage
oral anticoagulation
contraindication
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Summary:The standard treatment for stroke risk patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is the use of oral anticoagulants (OACs). However, a substantial number of patients have relative or absolute contraindications to OACs due to concerns of major bleeding risk and other adverse effects while using oral anticoagulation therapy. Recently, occurrences of exclusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) in patients with contraindication to anticoagulation therapy are widely expanding worldwide, causing major contentious discussions. The LAA is the commonest place of thrombus formation; therefore, the concept of LAA occlusion in reducing stroke and other embolic events in NVAF patients is very important. The current understanding of the available evidence on efficacy and safety of LAA closure (LAAC) with the Watchman device in patients contraindicated to OACs is the major aim of this focused review. After reviewing a significant body of literature, a world experience with no randomized trials, it is suggested that Watchman device implantation is effective and safe in high-risk patients with NVAF contraindicated to OACs therapy.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
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ISSN:1341-1098
2186-1005
DOI:10.5761/atcs.ra.18-00014