If you or a loved one has atrial fibrillation (A-fib), you’ve likely heard about its connection to stroke. In A-fib, the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly, which can cause blood to pool and form clots in a small pouch called the left atrial appendage (LAA). If a clot travels to the brain, it can trigger a stroke.
Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a minimally invasive procedure that seals off that pouch, dramatically lowering the risk of stroke. It doesn’t cure A-fib but targets the site where most A-fib-related clots form.
What Is LAAO?
During the procedure, a cardiologist threads a catheter through a vein in the leg up to the heart and places a tiny implant — commonly WATCHMAN™ or Amulet™ — at the opening of the LAA to close it. Over time, the heart’s tissue grows over the device, permanently sealing the appendage.
For patients at high stroke risk who cannot take long-term blood thinners — or who face bleeding risks, medication interactions or lifestyle challenges — LAAO offers an effective alternative for stroke prevention.
How well does it work?
Major studies show LAAO effectively reduces stroke risk in appropriately selected A-fib patients. Research, including randomized trials and meta-analyses, supports LAAO as an alternative to chronic anticoagulation in non-valvular A-fib, with significant reductions in stroke and systemic embolism over time.
In surgical settings, adding LAA closure lowered stroke and embolism risk by about one-third overall, with even greater benefit after the first 30 days. While results vary, these data explain why many heart teams recommend LAAO when blood thinners aren’t a good long-term option.
Why it matters
Blood thinners save lives but can increase bleeding risk and complicate daily activities or other medical treatments. By closing off the LAA — the source of more than 90% of A-fib-related clots — LAAO helps lower stroke risk without the lifelong trade-offs of anticoagulation.
Advanced LAAO care close to home
Northside Hospital Heart Institute’s Structural Heart and Valvular Program offers advanced LAAO care using the latest WATCHMAN and Amulet devices. The procedures are performed by interventional cardiologists and electrophysiologists skilled in complex, image-guided heart treatments.
Northside features LAAO as part of its comprehensive structural heart services and continues to participate in leading-edge research to improve safety and post-procedure outcomes.
Is LAAO right for you?
You may be a candidate if you have non-valvular A-fib, an elevated stroke risk (such as a higher CHA₂DS₂-VASc score) and reasons to avoid long-term blood thinners. Evaluation includes cardiac imaging, a review of bleeding and stroke risks, and a shared decision-making discussion with your care team.
Next steps
Talk with your cardiologist or contact Northside Hospital Heart Institute to learn whether LAAO should be part of your stroke-prevention plan. With advanced technology, an experienced multidisciplinary team and a patient-centered approach, Northside is helping people with A-fib reduce their stroke risk — and live with more peace of mind.
Learn more about Northside Hospital Heart Institute.
