Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion
Among the treatment options for atrial fibrillation are implants that seal off the left atrial appendage, including Watchman and Amulet
Among the treatment options for atrial fibrillation are Watchman and Amulet, implants that seal off the left atrial appendage, a small sac in the muscle wall of your heart’s top left chamber.
People with atrial fibrillation are at increased risk for a stroke because clots can form in this sac. Traditionally doctors prescribe blood-thinning medications such as warfarin to reduce the risk of clot formation in the heart that can lead to a stroke. These implants can eliminate the need for blood thinners.
Devices Available
Englewood Health’s cardiovascular experts are highly skilled and experienced in implanting the Watchman and Amulet devices. Our team will recommend the most appropriate treatment option or device for you.
Watchman
Our team performed the first Watchman implant in northern New Jersey’s during its national clinical trial back in 2012. Since then, we have performed more than 1,000 Watchman implants.
The size of a quarter, the Watchman device fits into the left atrial appendage, where 90% of stroke-causing blood clots that originate in the heart are formed. The implant permanently closes off this part of the heart to keep those blood clots from escaping, entering the bloodstream, and traveling to the brain, lungs, and other parts of the body. Most patients are able to stop taking warfarin within 45 days after getting the implant, with similar stroke reduction compared to people who take a blood thinner (warfarin).
The Watchman implant, performed via a catheter inserted in the groin, is a one-time procedure that lasts about an hour, followed by an overnight hospital stay with most patients leaving the next day.
Related: Learn more about Watchman from Boston Scientific, the manufacturer.
Amulet Device
The Amulet is a newer implant that also closes off the left atrial appendage to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Like Watchman, the devices can eliminate the need for blood-thinning medication.
Related: Learn more about the Amulet from Abbott, the manufacturer.
Eligibility and Appointments
Our heart team can determine if you’re eligible for a left atrial appendage closure such as Watchman or Amulet device and discuss the benefits and risks of each. We identify and assess your condition using the latest diagnostic methods and technology, including advanced imaging.
Patients who can’t tolerate blood thinners are really in a tough situation because they need blood thinners to prevent stroke, but if they take blood thinners they have bleeding complications. Left atrial appendage occlusion offers a potentially life-changing stroke-risk treatment option, which could free them from the challenges of long-term warfarin therapy.
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Grant Simons, MD, Chief of Heart Rhythm Services
With atrial fibrillation, you used to just have to live with it. Now there are ways to fix it. You don’t have to compromise on quality of life. There are options for treating your heart rhythm disorder with excellent results.
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Asad Cheema, MD, Medical Director, Cardiac Electrophysiology Laboratory
