The ACC has launched a new LAAO Registry to capture data on a new class of medical devices used in left atrial appendage occlusion procedures, which will help assess real-world procedural indications and outcomes as well as short- and long-term safety of procedures and devices for closing the left atrial appendage.

The registry will serve not only as the formal U.S. Food and Drug Administration-mandated post-approval study for the WATCHMAN device, but it is also expected to serve as a long-term clinical registry for all patients undergoing occlusion of the left atrial appendage, regardless of the device used.

"It is exciting that we are launching this registry at the beginning of implementation of this transformative therapy," says Paul D. Varosy, MD, FACC, director of cardiac EP at VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, and the lead physician for the data set development work group for the LAAO Registry. "Clinicians, hospitals, payers, and especially patients will benefit from a clear understanding of how these devices are being used in real-world practice. A registry like this can provide important tools in ensuring that the quality of care is as high as it can be for patients receiving these devices."

ACC's suite of nine cardiovascular data registries help hospitals and clinical practices measure and improve the quality of care they provide. Additionally, the AFib Ablation Registry is expected to launch in 2016.

Keywords: Atrial Appendage, Atrial Fibrillation, Registries, Stroke, United States Food and Drug Administration

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