Left atrial appendage closure
Left atrial appendage closure using the WATCHMAN™ device offers a minimally invasive option to reduce stroke risk for patients with non valvular atrial fibrillation who cannot take long term anticoagulants.
Atrial fibrillation and stroke risk
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common heart rhythm disorder that can lead to dangerous complications, including blood clots and strokes. At Atlantic Health, our experts provide world‑class, award‑winning cardiovascular diagnostic and treatment services, including the treatment of AFib.
In patients with AFib, the upper chambers of the heart pump in a chaotic, irregular manner. Blood clotting can occur when these irregularities cause blood to pool in those upper chambers. If a blood clot forms and then escapes the heart, it can cause a stroke.
AFib increases a patient’s risk of stroke by five times. While anticoagulant medications (“blood thinners”) are known to reduce that risk, they aren’t appropriate for people with certain medical conditions, occupations or lifestyles. For these patients, the FDA approved WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Device can be a suitable alternative to anticoagulants.
Protection from stroke
For patients with AFib not caused by a heart valve problem (non‑valvular AFib), the WATCHMAN™ device provides lifelong protection from stroke.
In these patients, fully 90% of stroke causing blood clots are formed in a small, pocket like part of the heart known as the left atrial appendage (LAA). The WATCHMAN™ device permanently closes this area off, significantly reducing the risk of stroke from atrial fibrillation.
Implanting the WATCHMAN™ LAAC Device is a one time, minimally invasive procedure. Soon after, most patients can stop taking blood thinners, lowering the risk of bleeding and other side effects associated with their long term use.
Who is a candidate for the WATCHMAN Device?
Candidates for the WATCHMAN™ Device include people with non valvular AFib for whom anticoagulants are inappropriate (contraindicated) due to their medical conditions, occupation or lifestyle.
Cardiac specialists at Morristown Medical Center’s Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute have offered the WATCHMAN™ procedure since 2016. In 2020, our physicians were among the first in the area to implant the next generation WATCHMAN™ FLX.