Procedures
The LAAC devices used in this study were the Watchman 2.5TM Devices and the Watchman FLXTMdevices (Boston scientific, St. Paul, Minnesota) using the TruSeal access sheath (Boston Scientific, St. Paul, Minnesota). The basic steps of the procedure were similar for the Watchman 2.5TMand FLXTM devices regarding the use of general anesthesia, femoral venous access for the transseptal puncture, use of a guide wire and pigtail for sheath guidance and positioning, and device selection based on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and angiography. Implantation of the Watchman 2.5TMdevices was performed as recommended (22), and the ball technique was used for the implantation of the Watchman FLX devices (22). After correct TEE assessment of the standard PASS criteria (position, anchor, size/compression, seal), fluoroscopic morphology and angiographic test, a tug-test was performed. The Watchman device was then released, and all material removed. Patients could receive protamine infusion and venous closure device, or hemostatic suture and a compressive dressing.