Occlusion of left atrial appendage to treat atrial fibrillation.

摘要

We congratulate David Holmes and colleagues on the landmark PROTECT AF trial (Aug 15, p 345) This study shows, via statistical modelling, that a new strategy-occlusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) with the WATCHMAN device-is non-inferior to warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation. Does this result mean a "new dawn" in management of these patients? Well perhaps, but if this device is to have a future, we need to understandthe complications better so we can reduce them.