A preliminary study of minimal left atrial appendage occlusion using Watchman under the guidance of fluoroscopy.

Background: Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has been considered an alternative treatment to prevent embolic stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, it carries a risk of general anesthesia or esophageal injury if guided by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

Aims: We aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of minimal LAAO (MLAAO) using Watchman under fluoroscopy guidance alone in patients with NVAF.