Watchman device implanted into first patients

The innovative Watchman® Left Atrial Appendage (LLA) Closure device from Boston Scientific has been implanted successfully into the first live patients in Latin America. The device is intended for use in patients who are at risk for stroke from atrial fibrillation and also for patients who are eligible for certain medication therapy. It is designed to prevent ischemic stroke and systemic thromboembolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation by preventing the embolization of thrombi in the LLA. In the PROJECT AF clinical trial, significant risk reduction percentages were found in strokes, hemorrhage strokes, cardiovascular deaths, and systemic embolism. The device is under investigation in the United States, where Boston Scientific hopes it will earn approval from the Food and Drug Administration.


SOURCE: Boston Scientific Press Release