The Left Atrial Appendage (LAA)
is a pouch like extension on the
left side of the heart

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Despite its proven efficacy, Warfarin therapy is not well-tolerated or may be difficult to control in many patients. Recently, a device based alternative to the long term use of Warfarin has been developed and studied.

In patients with AF, blood tends to pool and form clots in an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA). If a blood clot breaks loose it may migrate through the blood vessels and cause a stroke. Everyone has an LAA, it is a pouch-like extension located in the upper left chamber of the heart. The LAA is about the size of a thumb and has a narrow opening into the left atrium. Since the majority of blood clots are found in the LAA, by closing it off, it is believed that it may reduce the risk of stroke and potentially eliminate the need for long term Warfarin therapy.

The WATCHMAN LAA Closure Technology is a device alternative to Warfarin therapy in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Patients with AF are at a significantly greater risk of having a stroke due to migration of clots that may form in the LAA. By closing off the LAA, the WATCHMAN Technology is designed to reduce the risk of stroke, cardiovascular death and systemic embolization, potentially eliminating the need for long term Warfarin therapy. The elimination of Warfarin may result in a reduction of bleeding related events such as bruising, nose bleeds, gastrointestinal bleeding, or more importantly, hemorrhagic strokes.