Stroke prevention is imperative for patients with heart problems including
atrial fibrillation or atrial dysfunction. The Left Atrial Appendage (LAA)
is a small pouch on the left side of the heart that is a source of thromboembolism
or blood clots. Our program offers a through patient -specific plan for
LAA stroke management. Together with our providers, patients can now discuss
the pros and cons of various medicines and LAA closure strategies to arrive
at a shared decision-making plan to reduce the risk of strokes.
Treatment
Anticoagulation Treatments
These play a vital role in patient care for those patients taking warfarin
for atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism. Even with the onset
of newer direct-acting oral anticoagulants, it is still a necessity for
those patients to monitor their INR. Pharmacists are on-hand to do a simple
blood test and adjust the Warfarin dosage if necessary; all in one easy
appointment. The anticoagulation center offers an area where patients
can be monitored closely by pharmacists to ensure that they are taking
the correct doses of medications in order to decrease the risk of stroke.
Close monitoring of lab values and the adjustment of medications based
on these lab values is how this care helps patients reduce their risk
of stroke.
Surgical closure of the LAA
This procedure is an option for people with a unique LAA shape or a heart
anatomical difference allowing the surgeon to adjust the position of the
clip for preventing blood clots. Additionally, the surgical closure of
the appendage can assist with atrial fibrillation management. For individuals
with atrial fibrillation, that have a history of gastrointestinal bleed,
that absolutely cant’ take anticoagulation medicines and an uncommon
LAA shape, surgical closure of the LAA is a desired treatment option.
Watchman Device
A catheter-based device that closes off the LAA in patients that have atrial
fibrillation and can tolerate a course of anticoagulation drugs. This
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved device has been widely used
in patients with a greater chance of stroke, bleeding and have a lifestyle
where it is not ideal to take long term anticoagulations.
For more information or to schedule, call
970.384.7290
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