Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device

Frye Regional Medical Center now offers patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) an alternative to long-term blood thinners with the left atrial appendage closure device. This one-time procedure reduces the risk of stroke in people with AFib not caused by a heart valve problem. The newest version of this device has been designed to help treat more patients safely and effectively. It never has to be replaced and cannot be seen outside the body.

The procedure is performed in the cardiac electrophysiology laboratory. The procedure typically takes about 45 minutes or less.

It is covered by Medicare and most commercial insurers.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does AFib increase stroke risk?

  The average person with atrial fibrillation (also called AFib or AF) is five times more likely to have a stroke than someone with a regular heartbeat. That’s because AFib can decrease the heart’s pumping capacity by as much as 30%. Because blood isn’t pumped out of the heart normally, it’s easier for blood cells to stick together and form clots in an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA). 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 atrial fibrillation not caused by heart valve problems (the most common type of AFib), more than 90% of stroke-causing clots that come from the heart are formed in the LAA.

• How can I reduce AFib stroke risk?

  Blood thinners, also called anticoagulants, are an effective way to lower the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation not caused by heart valve problems. Common blood thinners include warfarin (also known as Coumadin^®), Eliquis^®, Pradaxa^®, Xarelto^® and Savaysa^®.

  But some people need an alternative to blood thinners, because they can increase the risk of bleeding. Some bleeding events are minor and easily treated, like a cut taking longer than normal to stop bleeding. In other cases, the bleeding can be life-threatening, such as when bleeding in the brain causes a stroke.

  If you have a history of bleeding or a lifestyle, occupation or condition that puts you at risk for bleeding, your doctor may consider an alternative to blood thinners, such as the WATCHMAN Implant.

• How does WATCHMAN work?

  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. 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.

   

   

• How is WATCHMAN implanted?

  WATCHMAN is implanted into your heart in a minimally invasive, one-time procedure. To implant WATCHMAN, your doctor makes a small cut in your upper leg and inserts a narrow tube, as done in a standard stent procedure. Your doctor then guides WATCHMAN into your heart’s LAA. The procedure is done under general anesthesia and takes about an hour. Patients commonly stay in the hospital overnight and leave the next day. 

• What happens after the procedure?

  Following the WATCHMAN procedure, your doctor will prescribe you blood thinning medication for 45 days or until your LAA is permanently closed off. During this time, heart tissue will grow over the implant to form a barrier against blood clots. Your doctor will monitor this process by taking pictures of your heart to see when you can stop taking your blood thinners.

  Your doctor will then prescribe a medicine called clopidogrel (also known as Plavix^®) and aspirin for you to take for six months. After that, you’ll continue to take aspirin on an ongoing basis. A very small number of patients may need to keep taking blood thinners long term. 

Getting the Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device

If you have a history of bleeding or a lifestyle, occupation or condition that puts you at risk for bleeding, this device may be right for you. Your cardiologist will weigh your risk of a stroke against your risk of a serious bleeding problem to determine the right treatment for you. The first step to finding out if you’re a candidate for a left atrial appendage closure device is making an appointment with your cardiologist to discuss your options.