To evaluate the effects of mechanical left atrial appendage (LAA) closure for secondary prevention of stroke in the patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, affecting an estimated 5 million Chinese. Atrial fibrillation is the primary cardiac abnormality associated with embolic stroke; among patients with AF, there is an annual stroke rate, about 5 times for the same age population in sinus rhythm. Although warfarin therapy is effective at reducing the risk of stroke, chronic anticoagulation presents problems of safety and acceptability for many patients. Drug and dietary interactions, frequent blood tests, and compliance issues all contribute to difficulties with chronic warfarin therapy. New oral anticoagulant compounds with better therapeutic range and without need for similar monitoring, such as Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, Apixaban and Edoxaban,have been studied, but there is no direct comparison with left atrial appendage closure(LAAC). However,the left atrial appendage (LAA) is the major location of thrombi in patients with AF. In patients with nonrheumatic AF and thrombus in the left atrium, the clot was located in the LAA in 90%. And the WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage System is a novel device designed to prevent the embolization of thrombi that may form in the LAA. It is hypothesized that it may prevent ischemic stroke and systemic thromboembolism in patients with AF.The PROTECT-Af and PREVAIL trails confirmed this device's efficacy and safety, compared with warfarin, for preventing the combined outcome of stroke,systemic embolism, and cardiovascular death. And the device has been approved by China's FDA. Stroke is the primary cause of death in China, and recurrence of stroke remains a major public health issue. This cohort study is designed to evaluate the effects of mechanical left atrial appendage (LAA) closure for secondary prevention of ischemic stroke in the patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in China, compared with medicine approach (Warfarin or NOAC),.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
400
WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage System is a novel device designed to prevent the embolization of thrombi that may form in the LAA. It is hypothesized that it may prevent ischemic stroke and systemic
This group will take oral anticoagulant drugs(warfarin or the new oral anticoagulant drugs like Dabigatran ).For patients taking warfarin,international normalizedratio (INR) monitoring wil be performed at least every 2 weeks for 6 months and at least monthly thereafter, targeting an INR between 2 and 3. Followup visits occurred twice annually after the first year,with neurological assessments at 12 months and yearly thereafter or whenever a neurological event is suspected.
2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine at Zhejiang University
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
All stroke (including ischemic and hemorrhagic) and systemic embolism, cardiovascular death (limited to any cardiovascular and unexplained)
Time frame: 3 years
All the serious complications,including the surgery complications and major bleeding events.
Time frame: 3 years
All-cause death
Time frame: 3 years
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