ABSTRACT
Introduction An alternative procedure for closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) to prevent arterial embolism in chronic or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation without anticoagulation is the implantation of a Watchman® device (Atritech Company, Plymouth, Minnesota; Figure 65.1). The first procedure was performed in August 2002, and currently a total of 63 patients have been implanted. Indications for implantation of the device are patients with chronic or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation with a principal indication for anticoagulation and without definitive contraindications for coumadine therapy, as coumadine therapy is recommended for the first 45 days to allow endothelialization of the device.
