Success For Watchman LAAC device ( Boston Scientific) in Stroke Prevention - 11-May-2012

Results were announced by Boston Scientic from the ASA Plavix (ASAP) Study, which studied the Watchman Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) device. The data showed a reduction in the risk of ischemic stroke by 75 percent in patients with atrial fibrillation who have a contraindication to oral anticoagulants such as warfarin.The prospective multi-center ASAP Study evaluated 150 patients with contraindications to warfarin, who were implanted with the Watchman Device and treated with dual antiplatelet therapy for six months post-procedure. Subjects were followed for a mean average of 14.4 months. The study employed the widely recognized CHADS2 risk stratification score, which provides a clinical prediction tool for estimating the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The CHADS2 score has been validated by numerous studies and is regularly used to determine whether treatment is required with anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy.