Impact of sex differences on outcomes in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation undergoing left atrial appendage closure: A single-center experience.

Female patients affected by non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) have a higher risk of stroke compared with male patients. Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure has been demonstrated as a reasonable alternative to warfarin therapy for stroke prevention in patients with NVAF. However, the impact of sex-related differences on outcomes in patients undergoing LAA closure (LAAC) remains unclear.

Efficacy and safety of left atrial appendage closure in non-valvular atrial fibrillation in patients over 75 years.

Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) may decrease risks of stroke and bleeding in elderly patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), but it is still lacking of evidence. The present study aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of LAAC in patients with NVAF over 75 years. 351 patients with NVAF who underwent LAAC were retrospectively analyzed on the LAAC procedure characteristics and the clinical follow-up according to age (age ≥ 75 years or < 75 years).

Long-term safety and efficacy of combined percutaneous LAA and PFO/ASD closure: a single-center experience (LAAC combined PFO/ASD closure).

Objectives: To report long-term safety and efficacy of combined percutaneous LAA and PFO/ASD closure.

Methods: A retrospective study of 370 consecutive patients undergoing LAAC procedures using the Watchman (WM) device. Data were compared between 330 cases only with LAAC procedure (Group I) and 25/5 (PFO/ASD) cases with sequential procedures of LAAC and PFO/ASD closure (Group II).

Real-world survival data of device-related thrombus following left atrial appendage closure: 4-year experience from a single center.

This study aimed to estimate the incidence and risk factors of device-related thrombus (DRT) following percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) in real-world practices. Between February 2012 and December 2016, 319 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation underwent percutaneous LAAC using WATCHMAN, WATCHMAN Flx, Amplatzer cardiac plug, and Amulet devices. All patients underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) at a minimum of three time points; periprocedurally, at 45 days, and at 6 months.

Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure with complex anatomy by using the staged 'kissing-Watchman' technology with double devices.

Background: Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is an efficient alternative of oral anticoagulation to prevent stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Due to complexities of LAA anatomy, a complete closure may not always be obtained with a single device. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the staged 'kissing-Watchman' technology to occlude the LAA with complex anatomy.