Authors' recommendations: The WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Closure Device is intended for patients with non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation who require treatment for potential thrombus formation and are eligible for long-term oral anticoagulation therapy, or who have a contraindication to anticoagulation therapy. The procedure aims to prevent ischemic stroke and systemic thromboembolism by closing off the LAA permanently to avoid the migration of emboli (clots) to the brain. The LAA Closure Device is a self-expanding nitinol frame structure with fixation anchors and a permeable polyester fabric that covers the atrial facing surface of the device. The access sheath and delivery catheter permit device placement in the LAA via femoral venous access and inter-atrial septum crossing into the left atrium. The procedure takes up to approximately 60 minutes, and is performed under general anaesthesia by an interventional cardiologist or electrophysiologist in a catheterisation lab under fluoroscopy and transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE).

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2014

URL for published report: http://www.msac.gov.au/internet/msac/publishing.nsf/Content/1347-public

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Australia

Organisation Name: Medical Services Advisory Committee

Contact Address: MSAC (MDP 107), GPO Box 9848, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. Tel: +61 2 6289 6811; Fax: +61 2 6289 8799.

Contact Name: msac.secretariat@health.gov.au

Contact Email: msac.secretariat@health.gov.au

Copyright: Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC)