Doctor taking blood pressure of patient.

Left Atrial Appendage Ligation (Atrial Clip)

Patients looking to reduce their risk of stroke or major bleeding events as well as stopping anticoagulant (blood thinner) medications may benefit from a minimally invasive left atrial appendage ligation procedure.

For people with atrial fibrillation, clots may form in a portion of the heart called the left atrial appendage. The atrial clip is a fabric coated metal device that closes off the left atrial appendage at its base. The atrial clip:

  • Closes off the left atrial appendage so no blood flow in or out is possible
  • Prevents/ significantly reduces strokes related to clots formed in the heart in patients with atrial fibrillation
  • Allows patients to stop taking blood thinners permanently
  • Reduces chance of a spontaneous bleeding complication (gastrointestinal, brain, nosebleed, etc.) or bleeding issue related to injury (sports, work, falls, etc.)
Who is the atrial clip procedure for?
  • Patients with atrial fibrillation and a need to avoid taking anticoagulants (blood thinners)
  • Patients wishing to stop taking blood thinning medications due to worry of risk of bleeding issues, or potential for hazard from their use (as in certain careers)
  • Patients with risk of injury from taking blood thinners due to activities (skiing, motorcycle riding, biking, etc.) or other medical conditions (neurodegenerative conditions & patients prone to falls)
  • Patients wishing to reduce their risk of stroke with chronic atrial fibrillation
How is the atrial clip different from other devices?
  • Persistent closure in over 97% of patients
  • Smaller residual left atrial appendage base/stump than other devices
  • Reduces strokes related to clots (other devices have not demonstrated this outcome)
  • Reduces strokes/complications from bleeding as patients are no longer taking blood thinners (other devices have only demonstrated this outcome)
  • No reports of clip migration, clot on the clip, leakage, or exposure to the bloodstream
  • If other devices fail patients stay on blood thinners indefinitely
  • The clip has also been shown to reduce electrical triggers of atrial fibrillation & the amount of atrial fibrillation episodes some patients experience

 

Placing of the atrial clip is a minimally invasive surgery.

  • The surgeon makes 2-3 small incisions in the left chest (incisions are 5-12mm in length)
  • The clip is placed on the left atrial appendage and secured in place
  • The surgery averages 25-30 minutes
  • Most patients have an overnight hospital stay