Left atrial appendage closure device involves a procedure that reduces the risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation patients. It also reduces the risk of bleeding that comes with a long-term use of oral anticoagulants. The WATCHMAN Device is permanently implanted at the site or slightly distal to the ostium of the LAA (the source of more than 90% of stroke-causing bloods clots in atrial fibrillation patients).

1. WATCHMAN- Left Atrial
Appendage Closure Device

2. • The LAA is a small, ear-shaped
sac in the muscle wall of the
left atrium.
• During normal conditions, the
blood from the left atrium and
the LAA is squeezed to the left
ventricle.
Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) in the Heart

3. Role of Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) in Stroke
• During abnormal heart rhythm,
such as atrial fibrillation, the
blood can stagnate in LAA
and form a clot and increase the
risk of stroke.
• About 90% of stoke caused by
blood clots, are due to blood
clots from LAA.

4. What is Left Atrial Appendage Closure?
LAA closure involves closing off
the opening of the left atrial
appendage, thus, reducing the
risk of stroke.

5. What is Left Atrial Appendage Closure?
LAA closure involves closing off
the opening of the left atrial
appendage, thus, reducing the
risk of stroke.

6. Candidates for The WATCHMAN Implant
The procedure is for patients who :
Have higher risk of
stroke due to AF.
Have atrial fibrillation with
blood thinners contraindicated
in them due to bleeding risk.

7. Implantation of WATCHMAN Device
General anesthesia is
administered to make the
patient unconscious.

8. Implantation of WATCHMAN Device
A catheter (a thin, hollow
tube) is inserted by making
a small incision in the
upper thigh region.

9. Implantation of WATCHMAN Device
The catheter is guided from
the femoral vein into the left
atrium.

10. Implantation of WATCHMAN Device
Once the catheter reaches
the LAA region, the
WATCHMAN device is
deployed and placed in the
LAA.

11. Implantation of WATCHMAN Device
After a few days, the heart
tissue grows over the device
and the LAA is closed
permanently.

12. Benefits
Minimally invasive
procedure
Quicker recovery
Prevents blood clots
One-time procedure