Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a procedure used to reduce the risk of stroke in individuals with atrial fibrillation (AFib) who are at high risk of blood clot formation in the left atrial appendage (LAA). AFib is a type of irregular heart rhythm that can cause blood to pool in the LAA, increasing the risk of stroke due to the formation of blood clots.
During the LAAO procedure:
Preparation: The patient is typically given sedation or anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure. The procedure is often performed in a catheterization laboratory (cath lab) or hybrid operating room.
Insertion of the Device: A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or wrist, and guided to the heart under X-ray or ultrasound guidance. A special device, such as a Watchman™ device, is then delivered through the catheter to the opening of the LAA.
Closure of the LAA: The device is deployed at the opening of the LAA, where it forms a barrier to prevent blood from entering the appendage. Over time, tissue grows over the device, permanently sealing off the LAA.
Monitoring and Recovery: After the device is successfully implanted, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to prevent bleeding. The patient is monitored closely for a short period before being discharged. Blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) are typically continued for a period of time after the procedure to prevent blood clots while the tissue grows over the device.
LAAO is an alternative to long-term anticoagulant therapy (such as warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants) for stroke prevention in individuals with AFib who are at high risk of bleeding complications from blood thinners or who have other contraindications to anticoagulant therapy. It has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of stroke in these individuals and may also reduce the risk of bleeding complications associated with long-term anticoagulant use.