The left atrial appendage closure can prevent strokes due to atrial fibrillation. UR Medicine offers the left atrial appendage closure procedure, a non-pharmacologic method to reduce stroke risk in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients. With closure, strokes can be prevented without the lifelong use of blood thinners.
The Watchman™ device is implanted into the patient’s left atrial appendage (LAA) through a minimally-invasive procedure. The device is then expanded to close off the LAA and keep blood clots from escaping. The procedure is performed at Strong Memorial Hospital — recovery takes approximately 24 hours.
This procedure is suitable for patients with:
Difficulty staying within the therapeutic range of Warfarin/Coumadin
Previous internal bleeding or high risk of bleeding
Intolerant to or difficulty taking blood thinners
High risk of falling
Severe renal failure
Occupational or lifestyle related high bleeding risk
There may be other conditions that make appendage closure an optimal therapy and can be reviewed with you by the clinical team
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If you have symptoms or have been diagnosed with structural heart disease,