WATCHMAN™ device.

This implantable cardiac device is designed to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with
non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) who are seeking an alternative to long-term treatment
with warfarin. Below are some key points about the WATCHMAN™ device:
Purpose and Function:
The WATCHMAN™ device is used to close the left atrial appendage (LAA), which is
believed to be the source of most blood clots that cause strokes in patients with
nonvalvular AF.
By sealing the LAA, the risk of stroke can be reduced and, over time, patients can stop
blood thinners.
The device is permanently implanted at or slightly distal to the LAA opening.
Design features:
• Minimizes the surface area exposed to the left atrium to reduce thrombus
formation after implantation.
• 10 Active Fixation Anchors: Designed for tissue stability.
• Intra-LAA design: Exclusively designed to avoid contact with the left atrial wall
and prevent complications.
• WATCHMAN Access Sheath: Used to access the LAA and serves as a conduit
for placement of the WATCHMAN catheter.
Indications:
The WATCHMAN™ device is indicated to reduce the risk of left atrial appendage
thromboembolism in patients with non-valvular AF who:
They are at high risk for stroke and systemic embolism based on CHADS or CHA DS
VASc scores and are recommended for anticoagulant therapy.
Your doctors consider you fit to take warfarin.
Have appropriate reasons to seek an alternative to warfarin pharmacological treatment,
considering the safety ity and effectiveness of the device compared to warfarin.
Clinical Evidence:
The 2009 PROTECT AF trial evaluated the performance of the WATCHMAN™ device
in preventing thrombotic and ischemic events.
Subsequent studies have shown that the WATCHMAN™ device is as effective as
warfarin in preventing embolism in non-valvular AF, with a lower risk of bleeding and
cardiovascular mortality.
URL: https://es.educaplay.com/recursos-educativos/18892995-
watchman_device.html
ARTICLE: https://www.revespcardiol.org/en-pdf-S1885585719303366