Date of Award

2022

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Physician Assistant Studies (PA)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Dipu Patel, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation is a common heart arrhythmia that leads to an increased risk of stroke. Warfarin was the original anticoagulant that would be used as the treatment for atrial fibrillation. However, there are people who have contraindications to anticoagulation or are a high fall risk and shouldn’t be on Warfarin. The Watchman Device was originally designed in 2005 as a way to close the left atrial appendage where clots are usually present with atrial fibrillation. The watchman may be a superior way to help reduce the risk of stroke compared to the traditional use of Warfarin. Purpose: Literature review of studies to examine if in patients with nonvalvular persistent atrial fibrillation, is the Watchman Device superior to Warfarin anticoagulation therapy for the reduction of stroke risk Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using using the search terms <(non-valvular atrial fibrillation) AND (Watchman)) AND (warfarin)) AND (stroke)>. Inclusion criteria were studies that were published from 2015 and newer. Exclusion criteria were studies that were not in English language and did not use human subjects Conclusions: The Watchman device is a great option for treating atrial fibrillation if there are contraindications to oral anticoagulants, history of intracranial hemorrhage or severe bleeding. It was not proven yet to be superior to warfarin in the reduction of stroke but the long term risks seem to be safer compared to warfarin.

Identifier

SC 11.PAS.2022.Delaney.E

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