Outcomes of Watchman device implantation in atrial fibrillation patients contraindicated for long-term anticoagulation: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND: Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) using the Watchman device is an established strategy for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients at high thromboembolic risk who cannot tolerate long-term oral anticoagulation (OAC). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate short-term clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of Watchman implantation in AF patients with contraindications to long-term OAC. METHODS: -value 5 mm), and none had device-related thrombus. Clinical outcomes included one hemorrhagic stroke (1.1%) and eight rehospitalizations (7.6%, 95% CI 3.4-14.5%), unrelated to the device. No ischemic strokes were observed. CONCLUSION: Watchman implantation achieved a 100% success rate with low complication rates and favorable short-term clinical and echocardiographic outcomes in AF patients contraindicated for long-term anticoagulation.