Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC)
Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is a procedure to keep harmful blood clots from the LAA from entering the blood stream and potentially causing a stroke.
People with atrial fibrillation have a five times greater risk of stroke. Atrial fibrillation can cause blood to pool and form clots in the LAA. For patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, the LAA is believed to be the source of the majority of stroke-causing blood clots. If a clot forms in the LAA, it can increase one's risk of having a stroke. Blood clots can break loose and travel in the blood stream to the brain, lungs and other parts of the body.
In select patients, physicians may determine that an alternative to blood thinners, most often an LAAC implant, is needed to reduce AF stroke risk. LAAC is an implant-based alternative to blood thinners, and, like blood-thinning medications, does not cure AF or completely prevent the risk of stroke.
For more information about the implantable device, call (936) 637-8524.