A Retrospective Look at Patient, Procedural, and Follow-up Characteristics Associated With WATCHMAN Implantation

This study used a retrospective design to review data previously collected and entered into the National Cardiovascular Data Registry database. Results During a 2-year period, 41 patients underwent the WATCHMAN procedure at our facility. The most common indication for the procedure in this population of patients with nonvalvular AF on oral anticoagulants was bleeding in the gastrointestinal or genitourinary systems. (Gastrointestinal/genitourinary bleed does not limit candidacy for surgical closure of the LAA.) There was only 1 postprocedure adverse event that included a groin hematoma. A transesophageal echocardiogram at 45 days indicated that the LAA seal showed no leak or flow around the device or a leak less than 5 mm. At 1 year, 95% (n = 36) of patients were only taking a single antiplatelet drug with aspirin. Eight patients were on a single antiplatelet medication at the time of follow-up 2 years after the procedure. Discussion A skilled team including a designated AF clinical nurse specialist contributed to program success measured by efficient placement of the WATCHMAN device and discontinuation of anticoagulation.
Source: Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing - Category: Nursing Tags: Clinical DIMENSION Source Type: research