WATCHMAN versus ACP or Amulet devices for left atrial appendage occlusion: a sub-analysis of the multicentre LAARGE registry

Aims: Several left atrial appendage (LAA) closure systems are available. Due to differences in device design, the results of specific occluders derived from trials cannot simply be generalised to all devices. The present analysis sought to assess two contemporary LAA closure devices in clinical practice.

Methods and results: The work represents a non-randomised sub-analysis of the prospective, multicentre, Left-Atrium-Appendage Occluder Register - GErmany (LAARGE) registry. The WATCHMAN (group 1) and the AMPLATZER Cardiac Plug (ACP) or Amulet occluder (group 2) were assessed. A total of 641 patients at 38 centres were enrolled. Of these, 278 (43%) and 340 (53%) patients received the WATCHMAN and ACP/Amulet occluder, respectively. High technical success was achieved with a slight difference between the groups (96% in group 1 vs 99% in group 2; p=0.007). Procedural safety did not differ (98% in group 1 vs 97% in group 2; p=0.55). The Kaplan-Meier estimated one-year composite of death or stroke was 12.0% and 12.9%, respectively (p=0.79).

Conclusions: Both the WATCHMAN and the ACP/Amulet occluder provide excellent procedural results with comparable implantation success and no differences with respect to procedural safety and long-term effectiveness.