In:
Future Cardiology, Future Medicine Ltd, Vol. 3, No. 5 ( 2007-09), p. 507-509
Abstract:
Sick PB, Schuler G, Hauptmann KE et al.: Initial worldwide experience with the WATCHMAN ® left atrial appendage system for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 49(13), 1490–1495 (2007). Left atrium appendage (LAA) occlusion is a potential alternative to warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation who have contraindications to anticoagulation. Currently, there are two devices specifically designed for LAA occlusion: the percutaneous LAA transcatheter occlusion (PLAATO™ System, ev3 Inc., MN, USA) and the WATCHMAN LAA system (Atritech Inc., MN, USA). Initial results from a study with the WATCHMAN device suggest that the LAA occlusion may reduce the long-term risk for stroke. Available data are still very limited and although occluding the LAA appears to be technically feasible, its long-term safety and ability to reduce stroke incidence remains to be proven. Only prospective randomized studies will be able to tell us if the LAA occlusion devices can be used as an alternative treatment strategy to the standard long-term anticoagulation.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1479-6678
,
1744-8298
DOI:
10.2217/14796678.3.5.507
Language:
English
Publisher:
Future Medicine Ltd
Publication Date:
2007
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