Abstract
Background: There is limited data with WATCHMAN for left atrial appendage (LAA) closure in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and contraindications to anticoagulation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of WATCHMAN in our early Canadian experience. Methods: We report our consecutive series of patients who underwent WATCHMAN implantation at 4 Canadian centers (Vancouver General Hospital, Montreal Heart Institute, Hamilton General Hospital and Ottawa Heart Institute). Indications for LAA closure were CHADS2≥1, and contraindication/intolerance to or failure on anticoagulation. All cases were done under general anesthesia and TEE guidance. Majority of patients received dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for 3-6 months after implant. Follow-up TEE was typically performed at 1-6 months post-procedure. Results: Ninety patients underwent LAA closure with WATCHMAN from May 2013 to June 2015. The mean age was 75.0 ± 7.9. The mean CHADS2 score was 2.9 ± 1.2, CHADS-VASc sc...
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