Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO)
If you’re a patient with atrial fibrillation with an increased stroke risk and are unable to take blood thinners, a minimally invasive option may be recommended for you. Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a one-time procedure that helps reduce stroke risk by targeting the area of the heart where most blood clots form.
Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a minimally invasive procedure that seals off the opening to the left atrial appendage using an implant.
The implant reduces stroke risk by closing off the left atrial appendage, where most blood clots form. Closing the appendage opening prevents blood clots from leaving the left atrium and entering the bloodstream.
LAAO reduces the risk of stroke for individuals with atrial fibrillation and is a highly successful alternative to oral anticoagulants for patients who are unable to take them long term.
LAAO is a procedure that lasts about one hour. During the procedure, a small tube called a catheter is placed into a vein near the groin area, which is how your medical provider guides the implant into the left atrial appendage.
At Providence, the standard technique for LAAO features the WATCHMAN Implant™. This is the only device of its kind that’s approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Other LAAO device options, such as Amulet™ and WaveCrest™, may be available depending on your specific needs and doctor recommendation.
Prior to your procedure, your doctor may require a cardiac CT scan or transesophageal echocardiogram. This detailed imaging provides specific measurements and a view of your left atrial appendage, which will help your doctor choose the best implant option for your treatment.
Your doctor and care team will go over specific instructions to help prepare you for the procedure, including discussing medication and fasting. Since the procedure uses anesthesia, you’ll need to arrange a ride home afterwards.
Key benefits of the LAAO procedure include:
- Minimally invasive procedure
- No open-heart surgery required
- Potential alternative to long-term blood thinner medications
- Reduces stroke risk by closing off the left atrial appendage
- Short recovery time
As with any medical procedure, LAAO implantation does carry some risk. Speak with your doctor about the benefits and possible side effects or complications and whether LAAO is right for you.
Reduce Your Stroke Risk with the WATCHMAN™ Implant
If you have atrial fibrillation, being on long-term anticoagulant medication may not be recommended by your doctor. Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a WATCHMAN™ Implant to reduce stroke risk by preventing blood clots from entering your bloodstream.
Learn more about how the implant is placed and how it can help reduce your stroke risk.