Left Atrial Appendage Closure
Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is a procedure to reduce the risk of stroke caused by atrial fibrillation (AFib). It’s suitable for patients who are unable to take blood thinners long term.
Patients with AFib are five times more likely to have a stroke. AFib causes weak and irregular beating of the heart’s top chambers, called the atria. The left atrium has an area called the left atrial appendage, where blood can pool when the heart is out of rhythm. This pooling blood can develop into a blood clot.
In patients with AFib, more than 90% of strokes are caused by blood clots in the left atrial appendage. Typically, blood thinners are used to reduce the risk of stroke. Unfortunately, some patients cannot tolerate taking a blood thinner long term because they have a history of serious bleeding, are at high risk for bleeding, or have a lifestyle which makes taking blood thinners difficult.
Call 816-931-1883 to schedule a consultation.
An alternative to blood thinners
During the LAAC procedure, a cardiologist implants a permanent, plug-like device in the left atrial appendage to prevent blood clots from forming and causing strokes. Over time, the heart develops a layer of tissue over the plug. LAAC is a one-time procedure, and the plug device does not need to be exchanged or replaced in the future.
LAAC is not intended to treat symptoms of AFib. However, you can stop taking blood thinners about three months after the procedure and you will be at less risk of a stroke because of AFib.
Saint Luke's experience
Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute physicians have been leaders in pivotal trials of LAAC since the development of this therapy nearly 20 years ago. Our LAAC program includes experts in:
- Interventional cardiology
- Cardiac electrophysiology
- Structural heart disease
- Echocardiography
- Cardiac CT
Schedule a consultation to see if LAAC is right for you. Call 816-931-1883.