In patients with atrial fibrillation, abnormal electrical signals occur in the atria (upper chambers of the heart). These signals cause an irregular heartbeat. They keep the atria from contracting, or squeezing, normally. The atria quiver instead. This lowers the amount of blood the heart pushes out each time it beats.

The Left Atrial Appendage and Stroke Risk

The heart has four chambers: two on top and two on the bottom. The left atrium is the upper left chamber of the heart. The left atrial appendage is a pocket-like section in the left atrium of the heart.

If you have atrial fibrillation, your heart does not pump blood normally. This can lead to blood clots, usually in the left atrial appendage. Up to 90% of strokes due to atrial fibrillation occur from blood clots that form in the left atrial appendage. Because of this stroke risk, many people with atrial fibrillation are on an anticoagulant, or blood-thinning medication.

Left Atrial Appendage Treatment to Reduce Stroke Risk

Closing the left atrial appendage can prevent formation of blood clots that may cause a stroke. Treatment devices that close the left atrial appendage include the WATCHMAN FLX™ device and the AtriClip device. These devices decrease the risk of stroke. They may also reduce the need for ongoing medical treatment with blood thinners.

Candidates for Treatment

You may be eligible for left atrial appendage closure treatment if you have atrial fibrillation with risk factors for stroke and you:

• Cannot take blood thinners.
• Have trouble managing your blood thinners.
• Have experienced bleeding while on blood thinners.

WATCHMAN FLX

During the WATCHMAN FLX procedure, a cardiac electrophysiologist inserts a small device into the left atrial appendage. This acts as a plug. It stops blood flow, reducing the risk of blood clots and stroke. The WATCHMAN FLX procedure is minimally invasive. Most patients go home the next day.

After WATCHMAN FLX, patients must take a prescription blood thinning medication for about 45 days. Often patients can stop taking prescription blood thinners. Patients will then take aspirin, which is a type of blood thinner, every day for the rest of their lives.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital has been a pioneer of this technology. It was the first hospital in Illinois to implant the original WATCHMAN^® device. The WATCHMAN FLX device is a more advanced option.

AtriClip

During the AtriClip procedure, a cardiac electrophysiologist and/or heart surgeon inserts a small device used to clamp, or close, the left atrial appendage. It stops blood flow, reducing the risk of blood clots and stroke.

AtriClip is done as part of a minimally invasive procedure, either with TTm Maze or Convergent. It can also be done during an open-heart surgery. After AtriClip, patients will take blood thinning medication.

Amulet

During the Amulet procedure, a cardiac electrophysiologist inserts a small device is into the left atrial appendage. This acts as a plug. It stops blood flow, reducing the risk of blood clots and stroke. The Amulet procedure is minimally invasive. Most patients go home the next day.

After the Amulet procedure, patients must take a prescription blood thinning medication for about six months. Often patients can stop taking prescription blood thinners. Patients will then take aspirin, which is a type of blood thinner, every day for the rest of their lives.

Meet the Left Atrial Appendage Closure Team