Treating AFib when blood thinners aren’t an option

When a person has atrial fibrillation (AFib), the two chambers of their heart are beating out of sync, causing an irregular heartbeat. Left untreated, the condition can lead to dangerous heart conditions, including blood clots, stroke and heart failure. According to the American Heart Association, more than 12 million people are projected to have AFib by 2030.

When a patient is diagnosed with AFib, treatment typically includes being placed on blood thinners to reduce risk of stroke. “When someone has AFib, the top chamber of the heart is beating significantly faster than the bottom, which results in the propensity for blood clot formation, and ultimately, the risk of stroke,” explains Dr. Kristopher Selke, an interventional cardiologist and Structural Heart Program medical director for Aurora BayCare Medical Center.

For individuals who are unable to safely take blood thinners, including those with blood disorders, there is another treatment option.

A minimally invasive procedure known as left atrial appendage closure seals off the pathway in which blood could collect and form a clot. “The procedure involves going up through a vein with a collapsible dual disc device that creates a sandwich seal over the left atrial appendage. After about a month and a half, a layer of skin grows over the device, and it becomes part of the patient’s body,” describes Dr. Selke.

Dr. Selke says patients who undergo the procedure are back to doing the things they enjoy within 1-2 weeks.

“This is a great, minimally invasive option for those who can’t be on blood thinners. Some hospitals offer different devices for the left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedure, allowing us to tailor patient care to meet each individual’s unique needs.”

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