Outcomes of Combined Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion and Transcatheter Mitral Edge-to-Edge Repair: The WATCH-TEER Study.

Background: Up to 50% of patients undergoing mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (MTEER) have an indication for left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). However, prospective evaluation of this strategy is lacking.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate the outcomes of combined LAAO and MTEER.

Methods: The WATCH-TEER study is a prospective multicenter registry that aims to assess the feasibility and safety of concomitant MTEER with MitraClip and LAAO with WATCHMAN-FLX in patients with an approved clinical indication for both procedures. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality, stroke, life-threatening, or major bleeding at 45 days.

Results: A total of 24 patients were included between October 2020 and March 2024. Mean age was 79.5 ± 6.3 years, and 83% were males. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons operative risk score was 11.8% ± 5.3%, the CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4.5 ± 1.1, and the HAS-BLED score was 3.3 ± 1.5. Total procedure time was 103.6 ± 33.7 minutes. At 45 days, the primary endpoint occurred in 21% (95% CI: 5%-37%, n = 5/24) of patients, all of which occurred after discharge including 1 cardiac death, 1 ischemic stroke, 1 trauma-related intracranial hemorrhage, and 2 nonprocedural major bleeds. At 45 days, most patients (68%) had ≤2+ mitral regurgitation, and 72% of patients were in NYHA functional class I-II symptoms. Additionally, 71% of patients were not on anticoagulation, compared with only 20% at baseline.

Conclusions: Combining LAAO with MTEER is feasible in patients who have a clinical indication for both procedures.