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The Watchman was FDA approved in 2015 for left atrial appendage occlusion to reduce the risk for stroke. Several trials (both observational and randomized, controlled) showed the device was reasonably safe and effective. Still, concerns remained about safety and, in particular, implant complications. Thus, the manufacturer designed a next-generation device with several new features, including greater size range, shorter length, dual-row anchors, and less metal exposure. In an industry-funded, prospective, single-arm, multicenter clinical study of this investigational device (NCT02702271), researchers followed 400 patients who had nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and were scheduled to receive the implant. The device was successfully implanted…