Limitations of Current Treatment
The most common stroke reduction strategy for patients with Afib is the use of oral anticoagulants (OACs), which increase bleeding risk, require ongoing monitoring, and are not well accepted by patients.9
Currently available, first generation devices require exact sizing and precise delivery with patients under general anesthesia with continuous TEE (Trans Esophageal Echo ).William A. Gray, MD
Many of my patients cannot or will not sign up for lifelong oral anticoagulation. They are concerned about bleeding risks and do not want to take daily medications. We need an effective alternative to prevent strokes that patients will readily accept.Andrew Torkelson, MD
Left Atrial Appendage closure, is currently reserved for AFib patients who cannot tolerate chronic anticoagulation. Establishing LAAC as a first line therapy will require an easy-to-size and friendly-to-deliver device allowing the procedure to be performed by a single physician on consciously sedated patients with local anesthesia.Martin B. Leon, MD
1st Generation Technology
Difficult to Deploy
Currently available, first generation devices require exact sizing and precise delivery with patients under general anesthesia with continuous TEE (Trans Esophageal Echo ).William A. Gray, MD
Oral Anticoagulants
My Patients Do Not Like Blood Thinners!
Many of my patients cannot or will not sign up for lifelong oral anticoagulation. They are concerned about bleeding risks and do not want to take daily medications. We need an effective alternative to prevent strokes that patients will readily accept.Andrew Torkelson, MD
LAAC Current Indication
For Patients Who Cannot Take Chronic OAC
Left Atrial Appendage closure, is currently reserved for AFib patients who cannot tolerate chronic anticoagulation. Establishing LAAC as a first line therapy will require an easy-to-size and friendly-to-deliver device allowing the procedure to be performed by a single physician on consciously sedated patients with local anesthesia.Martin B. Leon, MD