Medical Sciences
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion with the Watchman FLX Device: A Single-Centre Retrospective Analysis of Procedural and One-Year Clinical Outcomes
By Wasim Allakkis, Mostafa Salem, Mostafa Salem and 8 others.
Abstract
Background
Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is an alternative approach to stroke prevention in selected patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. This single-centre retrospective study describes device implantation, peri-procedural complications and clinical outcomes during the first year after Watchman FLX implantation.
Methods
We analysed 100 consecutive patients who underwent LAAO with the Watchman FLX device at Helios Frankenwaldklinik-Hospital, Kronach, Germany, between 2021 and 2024. The primary endpoint was device implantation success, defined as correct device deployment and implantation. The secondary safety endpoint was a composite of major peri-procedural complications within 72 h. Additional clinical outcomes were strokes and mortality at 30 days and one year.