Left Atrial Appendage Closure

Atrial fibrillation (AF) can cause blood to pool and form clots in an area of your heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA). If a blood clot forms, it can travel through an artery to the brain and cause a stroke.

About one third of people with atrial fibrillation will have a stroke. Stroke is the most common and perhaps the most feared complication of AF.

A breakthrough option is now available for AF patients who are considered suitable for warfarin but who have reason to seek a nondrug alternative. The Watchman LAA closure device is an implant alternative to reduce the risk of AF-related stroke, and could free you from the challenges of long-term warfarin therapy.

What Is the Watchman LAAC Implant?

The implant is designed to keep harmful blood clots from entering your blood stream, potentially causing a stroke. The device is made of materials that are common to many medical devices, is about the size of a quarter and can’t be seen outside the body.

How Does It Work?

The device closes off an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage. This part of the heart is the source of more than 90 percent of stroke-causing blood clots that come from the heart. The device keeps harmful blood clots from entering the blood stream and potentially causing a stroke.

How Is It Implanted?

The procedure is a one-time implant typically performed under general anesthesia. Similar to a stent or ablation procedure, your doctor will guide the implant into your heart through a flexible tube (catheter) inserted through a vein in your upper leg. An overnight stay in the hospital is necessary, and recovery typically takes about 24 hours. After a few weeks, you may be able to stop taking warfarin.