Intracardiac echocardiography-guided implantation of the Watchman FLX left atrial appendage closure device.

Background: The next-generation Watchman FLX left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) device has: (1) an atraumatic closed distal end, (2) reduced height, (3) a recessed screw hub to decrease device-related thrombus (DRT), (4) two rows of J-shape anchors so redeployment is possible after full recapture, and (5) ability to treat a greater size range of LAA ostia.

Objective: To report, for the first time, the feasibility and safety of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE)-guided Watchman FLX implantation.

Methods: A single-center prospective registry of atrial fibrillation patients planned for LAAC with the FLX device underwent ICE-guided implantation with conscious sedation.

Range and distribution of NT-proBNP values in stable corrected congenital heart disease of various types.

Background: Elevated levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are an expected finding in many adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) but no reports have described the range of values within different diagnostic groups.

Methods: Between the years 2003 and 2011 we measured NT-proBNP in consecutive ACHD patients attending the outpatient department. Further NT-proBNP analysis was performed on 705 blood samples from 394 stable patients with the defect corrected.