New technical and anticoagulation aspects for left atrial appendage closure using the WATCHMAN® device in patients not taking warfarin

Aims: The WATCHMAN ® device was proven non-inferior to oral anticoagulation (OAT). However, periprocedural risks and uncertainty regarding patients with absolute contraindication for OAT limit the overall utilisation of this approach. We investigated the periprocedural safety of dual platelet inhibition and primary utilisation of larger device diameters in order to minimise peri-device leakage and repositioning of the device during the implantation process. Methods and results: Since 2010, 59 consecutive patients have been treated with the WATCHMAN ® device and followed for 6 months. In patients with contraindications to warfarin, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) was used during the first 45 days after implantation instead of warfarin. Device size was chosen 15-30% greater than the LAA diameter in order to minimise device repositioning and leakage, and to prevent device embolisation. Small, non-trabecularised recessi at the superior ridge towards the inferior, left pulmonary vein were regularly observed and followed by transoesophageal echo regarding thrombus formation. We observed a 3.3% rate of pericardial effusions and a 5% rate of thrombi at the device during the healing period of 45 days and no device embolisations. One thromboembolic event without clinical sequelae was observed during the six-month follow-up period. All patients stopped DAPT at six months as no primary or secondary leakage >5 mm around the device perimeter was observed. Conclusions: Our data suggest that DAPT can be used safely during the first 45 days in patients with contraindications to warfarin. An algorithm employing larger devices in relation to the LAA ostium with consecutively larger compression improved procedural safety compared to the current standard regarding leakage and device repositioning.