Left Atrial Appendage Closure
Stroke risk is higher for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib), as they have a 70% chance of death or permanent disability. Specialists at Lutheran Hospital offer two left atrial appendage (LAA) closure procedures that can reduce stroke risk in people with AFib not caused by a heart valve problem.
The most common treatment for stroke risk reduction in patients with AFib is blood-thinning anticoagulation therapy. Long-term anticoagulation medication may not be the right option for some patients and carries a significant risk for bleeding complications.
How Left Atrial Appendage Closure Works
Ninety percent of stroke-causing clots originate in an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage. The implant closes off the left atrial appendage to keep harmful blood clots from entering the bloodstream and potentially causing a stroke. It is an alternative for patients who have non-valve-related AFib and who have reason to seek a non-drug alternative to reduce their risk of AFib-related stroke.
By closing off the LAA, the risk of stroke may be reduced, and over time, patients may be able to stop taking anticoagulation medication.
The LAA closure device is inserted under general anesthesia in a cardiac cath lab and takes about an hour. Patients usually are hospitalized for one day. Anticoagulants are continued after the procedure until a follow up exam shows that the appendage is closed.
Learn More
If you have non-valvular AFib and would like to learn more about an alternative to your long-term anticoagulation therapy, speak to a cardiologist with Lutheran Health Physicians to see if an LAA closure procedure is the best alternative for you.