Abbott ’s Amplatzer Stroke Reduction Data Is Strong at EuroPCR

Abbott Laboratories’ Amplatzer Amulet left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion device has been shown at one year to reduce stroke by 57% as compared to the predicted stroke risk. The data also showed it was able to make this reduction without the need for lifetime blood thinners.  The Abbott Park IL-based company released the data at EuroPCR, the annual meeting of the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions in Paris, and simultaneously published in EuroIntervention. More than 1,078 patients suffering from atrial fibrillation (Afib) were in the study with one-year-follow up. “The Amulet is a device that’s intended to prevent thrombus from escaping from the LAA which is a little pocket coming off the left atrium,” Barathi Sethuraman Divisional Vice President, Global Clinical Affairs, Abbott’s Structural Heart business, told MD+DI. “The atrial fibrillation thrombus can form in the pocket and escape into the brain and cause a stroke.” The Abbott device works by blocking the LAA at its opening into the left upper chamber of the heart and has CE mark. Currently, patients with Afib at risk of stroke are often prescribed blood-thinning medication to reduce risk for formation of blood clots, but this treatment approach requires a lifetime of taking medication and comes with risk of major bleeding. By closing the LAA with the Amplatzer Amulet occluder, physicians can "seal off" the LAA to reduce the risk of stroke. Results show adequate sealing of ...
Source: MDDI - Category: Medical Devices Authors: Tags: Cardiovascular Source Type: news