LAAO Procedure
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion
A left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedure is a minimally invasive heart operation designed to lower stroke risk in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AFib). It permanently closes off a small heart pouch where dangerous blood clots commonly form, offering a safe alternative for patients who cannot take long-term blood thinners.Is the LAAO procedure right for you?
✔ I have AFib not caused by a heart valve problem
✔ My doctor recommended that I take a blood thinner
✔ I’m suitable for short term blood thinners but need an alternative to long-term use
✔ I have an appropriate rationale to seek an alternative
What is the WATCHMAN Implant?
The WATCHMAN Implant is a small, flexible implant about the size of a quarter. It is made from very light, compact materials commonly used in many other medical implants.
It is placed into your heart during a short, minimally invasive procedure. It does not require open heart surgery and never needs to be replaced.
Is the LAAO procedure right for you?
The LAAO procedure is for people who have AFib not caused by a heart valve problem (also known as non-valvular AFib) and have been prescribed blood thinning medicines by their doctors, but need an alternative.
The LAAO procedure may be right for you if:
- You have a job, hobby or health concern that puts you at risk for serious bleeding.
- You’ve experienced bleeding in the past due to blood thinners
- You have difficulty taking blood thinners as prescribed by your doctor
Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks. Together, you’ll decide if the LAAO procedure is for you.
How exactly does it work?
To understand how the LAAO procedure works, it helps to understand the connection between AFib and stroke.
Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, affects your heart’s ability to pump normally. This can cause blood to pool in an area called the left atrial appendage, or LAA. There, blood cells can stick together and form a clot. When a blood clot escapes from the LAA and travels to another part of the body, it can cut off the blood supply to the brain, causing a stroke.
In people with AFib not caused by a heart valve problem, more than 90% of stroke-causing clots that come from the heart are formed in the LAA.1 That’s why closing off this part of the heart is an effective way to reduce stroke risk.
The WATCHMAN Implant fits right into your LAA. It’s designed to permanently close it off and keep those blood clots from escaping.
If you are interested in learning more about the procedure, or to discuss if you are possibly a candidate, talk to your doctor or cardiologist. Or feel free to reach out directly to our Structural Heart Team at (605) 755-4031.
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