Left Atrial Appendage (LAA)
Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a type of rapid irregular heartbeat. It can cause blood to pool in an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA) The LAA is a pouch located off your upper left heart chamber (left atrium). When the blood pools, it can cause clots to form. If the clot escapes from the LAA, it can cut off the blood supply to the brain, resulting in a stroke. Up to 90% of stroke causing blood clots originate from the LAA. Closing off the LAA prevents the clot from escaping, therefore reducing the risk of stroke in patients with Afib not caused by a heart valve problem.
WATCHMAN Device
WATCHMAN is a permanent implant that reduces the risk of stroke for people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem. The WATCHMAN device is the size of a quarter and fits right into the left atrial appendage. It permanently closes off the LAA so no clots will escape.
During this minimally invasive procedure, the doctor makes a small incision in the groin (femoral vein) and advances a long thin tube, called a catheter, up into the heart. The doctor guides the WATCHMAN through the catheter to the LAA. The WATCHMAN is then deployed into the LAA and expands. Once the WATCHMAN is securely in place, the catheter is removed. Over time, a thin wall of tissue grows over the WATCHMAN device to permanently seal off the LAA. Most people are able to stop taking warfarin/blood thinners after 45 days after the implantation. This procedure is done in one of our hospitals by our structural cardiologist.
This procedure offers an alternative to the lifelong use of warfarin without the risk of bleeding that all oral anticoagulants have. WATCHMAN eliminates the need for regular blood tests and food and drink restrictions that come with warfarin/Coumadin.
