The original device was created a few years prior, but many improvements such as different sizes so that it would be effective on all atrial appendages. One big update they made to the watchman was putting a polymer coating which "provided an 86% reduction in inflammation 3 days following the procedure (American College of Cardiology, 2023)."

The watchman FLX is superior to other atrial appendage clips because it comes in different sizes to accommodate all different types of anatomy. It also has the lowest rate of low major adverse events.

One additional feature to the watchman FLX is that it has superior rates of the closure of the atrial appendage. After being placed, the skin is endothelialized and closes off the appendage. 100% of patients had a closed LAA within 12 months.

There were no patients that required open heart surgery after placement of the device (due to error when placing the device).

There are minimal issues with placement of this device.

My strengths will help the team because I like to increase my knowledge as much as I can to have the best outcomes. I have the stamina to get through a project and complete it with a goal in mind. I value being important to others therefore I work well in groups. I believe my strengths along with everyone else’s will make for a solid team.

Daisy (developer), Carter (communication), Angelica (analytical), Sheila (stragtegic), William (woo).

I have chose each of these individuals because I think this would make for a great team if we are trying to get our facility to take this device into its practice. Daisy will be good at helping everyone improve on skills like how they present the device. Carter will be useful to express all of the data we have found and communicate it in a way that is effective. William will compliment carter well by having a personality that is very likeable. When presenting, these two can be very pursuasive and effectively get the job done. Sheila and Angelica will be good team members to collect data and know what they want to see. This can mean comparing it to current data within and outside of the hospital. Sheila can effectively put together the data and information to present and be prepared for anything unexpected. I believe as a team, the 6 of us can evaluate if this product is something our facility could effectively use.

FDA update: Watchman FLX pro left atrial appendage closure device receives FDA approval. American College of Cardiology. (2023, September 7). https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2023/09/07/12/43/fda-update-watchman-flx-pro-left-atrial-appendage-closure-device-receives-fda-approval#:~:text=The%20WATCHMAN%20FLX%20Pro%20device,with%20larger%20left%20atrial%20appendages.

Watchman FLX brief summary. www.watchman.com. (n.d.). https://www.watchman.com/en-us-implanter/brief-summary.html

Watchman Device. (n.d.). What to Expect Before, During and After the WATCHMAN Device Procedure. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from https://www.rwjbh.org/treatment-care/heart-and-vascular-care/tests-procedures/left-atrial-appendage-closure-laac-/what-to-expect/.

Overview watchman FLX LAAC Pinnacle Flx Ide Clinical Study. www.watchman.com. (n.d.-a). https://www.watchman.com/en-us-hcp/clinical-evidence/pinnacle-flx.html