Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO)

Watchman and Amulet devices

Overview

If you’ve been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib), your doctor might have talked to you about the risks of stroke. For many people with AFib, this risk comes from blood clots forming in a part of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA). These clots can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. Traditionally, blood-thinning medications like warfarin or newer anticoagulants have been used to lower this risk. However, these medications aren’t suitable for everyone, especially if you’re at risk for bleeding complications.

That’s where left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) devices, like the Watchman and Amulet, come in. These devices provide a non-medication alternative to help protect you from stroke.

What is Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion?

The left atrial appendage is a small, pouch-like part of your heart where blood tends to pool and clot if you have AFib. Left atrial appendage occlusion is a procedure designed to seal off this pouch, preventing clots from escaping into your bloodstream and potentially causing a stroke.

The two most common devices used for this purpose are the Watchman and Amulet. Both are small, umbrella-like devices placed inside the heart during a minimally invasive procedure.

How do the Watchman and Amulet devices work?

Watchman: This device fits into the opening of the left atrial appendage and blocks it off, so clots can't form there. Over time, your body grows tissue over the device, permanently sealing the area.

Amulet: Similar to the Watchman, the Amulet device also seals off the left atrial appendage. It has a unique dual-seal design for added protection, which can be particularly beneficial for certain patients.

Both devices aim to reduce the risk of stroke without the need for long-term use of blood thinners.

Who can benefit from an LAOO device?

You might be a candidate for the Watchman or Amulet device if:

You have non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
You are at increased risk for stroke based on your medical history.
You cannot tolerate long-term blood-thinning medications due to bleeding risks or other complications.

During the Procedure

The placement of a left atrial appendage occlusion device is done in a hospital by a specialized cardiologist:

You’ll be placed under anesthesia to ensure comfort.
Your doctor will insert a thin, flexible tube (called a catheter) through a vein in your leg and guide it to your heart.
Using advanced imaging, the doctor will position the WATCHMAN or AMULET device in the left atrial appendage.
Once securely placed, the device will block the opening of the appendage.

The procedure usually takes about 1–2 hours, and most patients go home the next day.

After the Procedure

Recovery: Most people return to normal activities within a week.
Medications: Initially, you may need to stay on blood thinners for a short time while the device settles. After that, your doctor may switch you to aspirin or other lower-risk medications.
Follow-Up: Regular check-ups and imaging will ensure the device is working effectively and that the left atrial appendage is completely sealed.

Contact Us

If you’re living with AFib and worried about your risk of stroke, our team is here to help. We specialize in left atrial appendage occlusion procedures and can help determine whether the Watchman or Amulet device is right for you.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please contact SIU Medicine at 217.545.8000.