The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device is a new alternative to long-term warfarin therapy for stroke risk reduction in patients with atrial fibrillation hypertension.
You’re likely to see more of them!
Find out what it is and what they look like when imaged. This talk was organised and recorded by Sharon Kay, the ICN echo guru.
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Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion is an evolving therapy, which should be taken into consideration in those patients with non-valvular AF with a high stroke risk and contraindications for OAC.
This open access article discusses the rationale for LAA closure, the available LAA occlusion devices and their clinical evidence until now.
Importantly, it discusses the importance of proper patient selection, the role of various imaging techniques and the need for a more tailored post-procedural anti-thrombotic therapy.
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Dr Jason Sharp is an interventional cardiologist with particular interest in complex coronary disease and structural heart disease as well as echocardiography.
He practices at Sydney Adventist Hospital, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital and is owner of Specialist Cardiology based at the San Clinic in Wahroonga.
Jason’s research interests are in the areas of home monitoring of pacemakers, angioplasty and stenting, novel treatments for atrial fibrillation, percutaneous patent foramen ovale closure, renal artery stenting and prevention of radiocontrast-induced nephropathy.
