What is a LAAC procedure and is it right for you?
By ShareMD Connect
If medication is not doing enough to manage your AFib - or if it’s become too hard to live with the side effects - you may be considering a LAAC procedure as an alternative to blood thinners. But what is LAAC and is it right for you?
What is a LAAC procedure?
LAAC stands for Left Atrial Appendage Closure. Sometimes it’s called an LAAO (Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion) and sometimes it's referred to as the Watchman procedure or Amplatzer device. All of these names mean pretty much the same thing.
This minimally invasive procedure works by sealing off the left atrial appendage (which is where over 90% of blood clots form during AFib episodes).LAAC stands for Left Atrial Appendage Closure.
Sometimes it’s called an LAAO (Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion) and sometimes it's referred to as the Watchman procedure or Amplatzer device. All of these names mean pretty much the same thing.
During the procedure, your doctor will insert a catheter that contains a device (either the Watchman device or Amplatzer device) through the groin and route it to your left atrial appendage. Once the catheter reaches its destination, the device will expand into place and block the part of your heart where AFib clots can form. Over time, your heart will form new tissue over the device, locking it into place and reducing your risk of stroke.
The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes and most people only stay in the hospital for a day or so.
Is a LAAC procedure right for me?
If you’re at an increased risk of stroke and need to take blood thinners, but for some reason, you can’t take them long-term, a LAAC could be a great option for you. A LAAC procedure reduces stroke risk without the need for long-term blood thinners.
In a clinical trial, 96% of people were able to stop taking blood thinners just 45 days after their LAAC procedure. In another study, a LAAC procedure with the Watchman device found a 55% reduction in disabling a fatal stroke vs. taking warfarin as a blood thinner.
Who qualifies for a LAAC procedure?
Your cardiologist and/or electrophysiologist will be able to determine if you’re a candidate for a LAAC procedure, but generally speaking there are some standard guidelines.
Your provider will assess:
- Your stroke risk and your bleeding risk
- Whether or not you need blood thinners long-term
- If you have an appropriate reason to not take blood thinners long-term (perhaps you’re a high bleeding risk, have a history of falls, or work in a high-risk occupation)
- If you can take blood thinners for at least 45 days after the procedure
What kind of doctor does a LAAC procedure?
A LAAC procedure is usually done by an electrophysiologist in an electrophysiology lab.
If you’re not already seeing an electrophysiologist to manage your AFib - or if your electrophysiologist isn’t trained in the LAAC procedure - ShareMD can help you find the most experienced provider in your area.
Will Medicare cover this?
It’s always recommended that you contact Medicare to check your specific coverage, but generally speaking yes, this is a procedure that can be covered by Medicare. There are specific requirements about when Medicare will and won’t cover the procedure. For example, your doctor must perform the procedure a minimum number of times per year and the facility must meet strict standards. Be sure to check both with Medicare and your provider’s office if you have questions about insurance coverage.
I want to learn more about this. What should I do next?
Great! Taking control of your healthcare is the first step in getting back to living the life you want. Take the next step and chat with a ShareMD cardiac nurse about your options. Our team of experienced, licensed nurses can help explain more details about this procedure and get you connected with a provider who can assess whether or not you’re a candidate. There’s no charge, no time limit, and no catch.