Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Device

If you have atrial fibrillation (AFib), you have an increased risk for stroke. One way we can prevent stroke is with a minimally invasive procedure to implant a device called the left atrial appendage occlusion device.

Our approach to the left atrial appendage occlusion device

When you come to UCI Health for AFib care, you’ll find that our top priority is stroke prevention. Typically, one way to do this is by taking blood thinner medication. But if you’re unable to take blood thinners or you hope to get off blood thinners, we offer you options. 

One of those options is a minimally invasive procedure called left atrial appendage closure. 

Commonly referred to as the Watchman left atrial appendage occlusion device, the procedure uses an implantable device to close the left atrial appendage. This is the part of your heart where most blood clots that cause stroke form. By closing this, blood clots cannot escape into your bloodstream to cause stroke.

At UCI Health, we have extensive experience with this procedure. Our team — which includes electrophysiologists, interventional cardiologists, cardiac imaging specialists and others — will plan your procedure together. That means you’ll have an entire team of clinicians ensuring that your procedure is as effective as possible. 

Am I a candidate for the left atrial appendage occlusion device?

Your electrophysiologist will work with you to determine if left atrial appendage closure is right for you. You could be a good candidate for Watchman if you fall into any of these categories: 

• You have a history of bleeding conditions or are at risk for bleeding issues.
• You have a health condition that increases your risk for falling.
• You work in an occupation that puts you at higher risk for falls or bleeding problems, such as a firefighter or police officer.
• You live a very active lifestyle and don’t want to be on lifelong blood thinners. 

How does the left atrial appendage occlusion device work?

When you have AFib, blood can pool in the left atrial appendage in your heart. This is where most blood clots that cause stroke form. 

The Watchman left atrial appendage occlusion device is a one-time implant that’s about the size of a quarter that sits inside the left atrial appendage. It creates a barrier that prevents blood clots from escaping into your bloodstream and causing stroke.

Benefits of the Watchman left atrial appendage occlusion device

The biggest benefits of left atrial appendage closure are that it:

• Significantly lowers your risk for blood clots and stroke
• Allows you to eventually stop taking blood thinner medications

What to expect with the Watchman left atrial appendage occlusion device

At UCI Health, you’ll have your Watchman left atrial appendage occlusion device implant at the hospital. Your care team will administer general anesthesia to keep you comfortable and asleep during the procedure. 

Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:

• Once you’re under anesthesia, your electrophysiologist and interventional cardiologist will work together throughout the procedure.
• They’ll start by inserting a thin tube (catheter) into a blood vessel near your groin.
• They’ll use image-guided technology to move the catheter to the left atrial appendage in your heart.
• They’ll implant the device in the left atrial appendage opening.
• The procedure typically takes about an hour.

Recovery after left atrial appendage closure

• You’ll spend one night in the hospital. Most people can go home the next day.
• You should take it easy for the first 48 hours after the procedure.
• You should be able to resume gentle activity within 72 hours after your procedure.
• You’ll have a follow-up appointment with your UCI Health electrophysiologist five to seven days after you leave the hospital.
• If everything looks good at your follow-up appointment, you should be cleared for normal activity.

Getting off blood thinners

For the first month and a half after your procedure, you’ll remain on your usual medication regimen. 

You’ll then have a follow-up appointment with your electrophysiologist 45 days after your procedure. They’ll evaluate how you’ve healed and how the device is working. 

From there, they’ll work with you on adjusting your medication regimen.

Why choose UCI Health for a left atrial appendage occlusion device?

Expertise in left atrial appendage management

 Left atrial appendage closure is one of the most effective ways for reducing your risk of stroke if you have atrial fibrillation (AFib). Our electrophysiologists and interventional cardiologists will work with each other and you to determine if this is right for you. 

A team approach

 If you’re having a left atrial appendage, you’ll have an entire team of specialists in your corner. We have a weekly team meeting to review every Watchman Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion device case. Our team — including electrophysiologists, interventional cardiologists and others — reviews your case and plans the procedure. Together, we focus on the best way to reduce your risk for stroke with this innovative procedure. 

Comprehensive heart care

In addition to stroke, arrhythmias are often associated with other heart conditions. And at UCI Health, we offer comprehensive heart care services with a highly specialized team. This allows your AFib team to seamlessly coordinate with other specialists if you need additional support.