Left atrial appendage closure: First in man with the 4th generation WATCHMAN device.

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the fourth generation WATCHMAN device.

Background: The WATCHMAN left atrial appendage (LAA) closure device has been shown to be non-inferior to conventional oral anticoagulation with warfarin for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. A new (fourth) generation of the WATCHMAN device was designed to facilitate easier delivery and improve safety.

Left atrial appendage occlusion in octogenarians: short-term and 1-year follow-up.

Objectives: To determine the procedural safety, safety, and efficacy of left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion in octogenarians.

Background: Elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) often do not receive appropriate anticoagulation. LAA occlusion is an option for patients with AF and contraindications to anticoagulation.