Reduce AFib-Related Stroke Risk

Understanding the alternatives to stroke preventions for atrial fibrillation patient management.

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) remains one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias worldwide and is widely known as a leading cause of stroke. For many patients, lifelong oral anticoagulation (OAC) use, effectively reduces risk, but not all people can tolerate it, or they are contraindicated to it. For those patients, Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) is a proven, effective and safe way to prevent strokes.^1,2

Let’s look at the facts:

Let's look at the facts:

5x higher stroke risk

in people with AFib vs. people with a regular heartbeat³

90%

of stroke-causing clots that come from the heart are formed in the Left Atrial Appendage (LAA)⁴

4 out of 5 people

with AFib taking a blood thinner would be willing to try a different treatment to reduce stroke risk⁵

Current treatment options for stroke prevention in AFib patients

Lifelong Oral Anticoagulants (OAC)

Anticoagulants remain the cornerstone of stroke prevention for patients with non-valvular AFib. Agents such as vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) effectively reduce the risk of cardioembolic events.

However, not all patients can maintain long-term therapy due to:

Elevated bleeding risk or prior major bleed
Drug–drug or drug–food interactions*
Difficulty maintaining INR stability**
Drug protocol adherence⁴

For these patients, it’s important to consider alternative strategies that still align with guideline-based stroke prevention pathways.

A WATCHMAN Device in gradient colors in a black circle.

LAA Closure Implant Procedure

In patients with non-valvular AFib and elevated stroke risk who have a contraindication to long term OAC or cannot tolerate its long term use, LAA closure offers a minimally invasive, one-time option for reducing stroke risk.

By sealing the Left Atrial Appendage, where most stroke-causing thrombi originate, this therapy helps prevent clot migration to the brain while minimizing bleeding risk associated with chronic anticoagulation. The WATCHMAN™ Implant is an established device used for LAA closure, supported by extensive clinical experience and real-world data.

Learn more about the LAA Closure Procedure

What is Left Atrial Appendage Closure?

LAA Closure theraphy works by closing off the Left Atrial Appendage with a permanent implant to prevent blood clots from escaping and causing stroke. This is achieved with a minimally invasive catheter-based procedure using a device, such as the WATCHMAN^TM FLX Pro. It is an innovative, one time solution that offers an alternative to long-term OAC therapy in patients with non-valvular AFib and high stroke risk, including those with a contraindication to OAC.

The vast clinical and real-world evidence for the WATCHMAN^TM devices continuously prove that LAA Closure is a safe option for patients. The device has been successfully implanted in over 600.000 patients globally⁶.

*Excluding warafin
**Specific to warafin

References:

1. Kar, S., et al, Primary Outcome Evaluation of the Next Generation LAAC Device: Results from the PINNACLE FLX Trial, Circulation, 2021.

2. Joglar JA et al. 2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation, 2024.

3. FAQ About AFib. American Heart Association, Inc., 2023. Available at: www.heart.org/-/media/Files/Health-Topics/Atrial-Fibrillation/FAQ-About-AFib.pdf. Accessed June 10, 2024.

4. Blackshear JL, Odell JA. Appendage obliteration to reduce stroke in cardiac surgical patients with atrial fibrillation. Ann Thorac Surg. 1996;61:755-759.

5. Data on file with Boston Scientific. Atrial Fibrillation Patients survey. The Harris Poll on behalf of Boston Scientific and StopAFib.org; 2018:1-64.

6. Represents all WATCHMAN models.

CAUTION: The law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician. Indications, contraindications, warnings, and instructions for use can be found in the product labelling supplied with each device. Products shown for INFORMATION purposes only and may not be approved or for sale in certain countries. This material not intended for use in France.