Summary

Long-term data from the Watchman Left Atrial Appendage System for Embolic Protection in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation trial [PROTECT AF; NCT00129545] indicate that left atrial appendage (LAA) closure with the Watchman provides superior protection from stroke compared with warfarin. The data also showed that Watchman LAA occlusion filter is associated with a 40% reduction in stroke/systemic embolism/cardiovascular (CV) death, a 60% reduction in CV mortality, and a 34% reduction in all-cause mortality.