Close up of WATCHMAN FLX Pro device with teal overlay.

OPTION Randomized Clinical Trial

The OPTION Clinical Trial, a breakthrough study in AFib treatment, is the first randomized, head-to-head study comparing WATCHMAN to OAC (95% DOACs) after cardiac ablation. The primary endpoints showed WATCHMAN FLX™ was equally effective to anticoagulation, with a superior safety profile, which allowed patients to eliminate continuous medication use and significantly reduce bleeding risk while maintaining stroke protection.

Primary Endpoints met!
OPTION Clinical Trial Discussion with Dr. Wazni

Listen to Dr. Oussama Wazni (National Principal Investigator) discuss the OPTION Clinical Trial results.

OPTION Clinical Trial Design

Primary Efficacy Endpoint

Stroke, all-cause mortality and systemic embolism
(NON-INFERIORITY)

Primary Safety Endpoint

Non-procedural bleeding (ISTH major bleeding and clinically relevant non-major bleeding) 
(SUPERIORITY)

Secondary Safety Endpoint

ISTH major bleeding (including procedural bleeding)
(NON-INFERIORITY)

Key Inclusion Criteria:

  • The subject has a calculated CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2 or greater for males or 3 or greater for females.
  • Underwent a prior catheter ablation procedure for non-valvular AF between 90 and 180 days prior to randomization (sequential) or is planning to have clinically indicated catheter ablation within 10 days of randomization (concomitant).

Key Baseline and Procedural Characteristics (ITT)

Patient characteristics were well balanced between groups, while LAAC success was achieved in 98.8% of patients in the WATCHMAN FLX arm.

*Patient underwent a prior ablation between 90 and 180 days prior to randomization.

LAAC success** reaffirms the industry-leading procedural success of the WATCHMAN FLX procedure observed in the PINNACLE FLX pivotal trial.1

**Device successfully deployed and released.

OPTION Primary Endpoint Outcomes

Primary Efficacy Endpoint

The trial met the primary efficacy endpoint of all-cause mortality, stroke or systemic embolism at 36 months, with the WATCHMAN FLX device demonstrating statistical non-inferiority to OAC (5.3% vs. 5.8%; P<0.0001).  

Primary Safety Endpoint

The trial met the primary safety endpoint of non-procedural major bleeding or clinically relevant non-major bleeding at 36 months, with the WATCHMAN FLX device demonstrating statistical superiority to OAC (8.5% vs. 18.1%; P<0.0001).  

Primary Efficacy Endpoint Components (ITT)

WATCHMAN FLX demonstrated similar long-term efficacy outcomes compared to anticoagulation, including a 1.6% all-stroke and 1.2% ischemic stroke rate.

3-Year Primary Efficacy Endpoint Outcomes

Secondary Safety Endpoint

The trial met the secondary safety endpoint of ISTH major bleeding (including procedural) at 36 months, with the WATCHMAN FLX device demonstrating statistical non-inferiority to OAC (3.9% vs. 5.0%; P<0.0001).

Numerical difference represents a 23% relative reduction (HR 0.77 [95% CI 0.48, 1.24]) in ISTH major bleeding (including procedural) with WATCHMAN FLX at 36 months.

Primary and Secondary Endpoint On-Treatment Sensitivity Analysis

Sensitivity analyses were performed in the on-treatment population where patients in each treatment group were tested according to LAAC or OAC treatment received and if they were compliant to protocol medication at ≥80% until a primary or secondary event or end of study. 

WATCHMAN FLX device with decorative teal overlay
Wazni O, et al. Randomized Comparison of Left Atrial Appendage Closure with Oral Anticoagulation After Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation. Late Breaking Clinical Trial, American Heart Association 2024.
1. Kar S, et al. Primary Outcome Evaluation of a Next-Generation Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device: Results From the PINNACLE FLX Trial. Circulation, 2021.

WATCHMAN FLX is an FDA approved device being studied for an expanded indication as a first line therapy vs NOAC for NVAF patients. The use of WATCHMAN or WATCHMAN FLX as a first-line therapy for stroke risk reduction in NVAF patients is considered investigational.
Caution: Investigational Device. Limited by US law to investigational use only. Not available for sale.