Medical Professionals

Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) are at a 6 fold increased risk of stroke.  The Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation (SPAF) studies have documented the benefits of chronic warfarin therapy in reducing the risk of stroke, however problems associated with the long term use of warfarin are well understood. 

The left atrial appendage (LAA) has been identified as a major source of thrombi in patients with atrial fibrillation.  Ligation of the LAA surgically has been done for many years, while a very invasive technique, limited data appears to demonstrate a benefit in patients at risk of atrial fibrillation related strokes.  Recently the development of a transcatheter approach to isolate the LAA has been developed.

The WATCHMAN® left atrial appendage system is made of nitinol (a self expanding metal) with the atrial facing surface covered with a thin permeable polyester material.  The device is constrained within a catheter until delivery in the LAA and is available in multiple sizes to accommodate the unique anatomy of each patient.

For investigational use only.