Left atrial appendage closure
Having atrial fibrillation (AFib) doesn’t always mean blood thinners is your only option to help prevent blood clots and lower your risk for stroke. A left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) may be a safe, effective alternative for you. Our team is one of the most experienced in LAAC implants, giving you the guidance and expertise you can count on – and peace of mind.
And with our many locations performing LAAC implants throughout Chicagoland, you can easily access our renowned care close to home.
What is a left atrial appendage closure?
The left atrial appendage is a small pouch about the size of your thumb in the upper left chamber of your heart. Usually, it contracts in a regular rhythm to help move blood flow in and out. If you have atrial fibrillation (AFib), the left atrial appendage doesn’t contract normally and the sluggish blood flow can pool and form blood clots. These clots can break off and flow into your bloodstream to your brain, causing a stroke.
Left atrial appendage closure implant devices, such as the WATCHMAN, can safely and effectively help to reduce your risk of stroke by preventing blood clots from leaving the heart. In a procedure that’s minimally invasive, our specialists place the permanent implant in your heart’s left atrial appendage to seal off the pouch where the blood clots form.
This cutting-edge treatment option can:
- Reduce your risk of stroke if you have AFib not caused by heart valve problems
- Eliminate a long-term need for blood thinners
- Reduce serious bleeding risks caused by blood thinners
Prior to the WATCHMAN implant procedure, you’ll receive personalized guidance to prepare. This may include:
- Not eating or drinking after midnight the night before the procedure
- Any medications you may need to stop taking
- Answering your questions and concerns
The procedure to implant the left atrial appendage closure device usually takes about an hour. You’ll receive a general anesthetic so you’ll be asleep before the procedure begins.
After numbing the area in your groin, one of our specialized electrophysiologists or interventional cardiologists will gently guide a thin flexible tube called a catheter through a blood vessel from your upper leg to your heart. Then we’ll implant the device in the upper chamber of your heart.
You’ll typically stay overnight in the hospital and go home the next day.
After a few days at home, you should be able to return to work and resume your normal activities.
Your doctor will provide a detailed follow-up plan for you to help ensure you have the best results possible. You’ll likely need to take blood thinners for four to six weeks.
As you heal, healthy heart tissue will grow over the LAAC device and form a barrier to prevent blood clots from escaping, reducing your risk of stroke. When this happens, you should be able to go off of blood thinners.
Why choose Advocate Heart Institute for left atrial appendage closure?
At Advocate Heart Institute, you can feel confident with our expert cardiology care. Together, our large, multidisciplinary team of specialists offer unmatched:
- Experience: We have one of the top cardiac programs in the U.S. Performing more than 20,000 procedures every year, our cardiology teams have experience with all types of procedures and all types of conditions.
- Quality: Our safety-first culture permeates everything we do. We participate in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry that benchmarks our outcomes against other programs. Our high ratings mean fewer complications and better results.
- Teamwork: Working closely together, our cardiologists, surgeons, electrophysiologists and other specialists develop a customized treatment plan that’s just right for you.
- Technology: We offer the latest programs and treatments that you may not find elsewhere in the area. Cardiology technology changes rapidly, and we continuously upgrade our equipment and learn the latest, most advanced techniques. And we participate in cutting-edge research and clinical trials to ensure access to the newest innovations.
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