In a nutshell
According to a news release, the program's milestone is due to the use of evidence-based practices and collaboration centered on safety and outcomes. The procedure is FDA-approved and is ideal for AFib patients who are not good candidates for long-term anticoagulation, or blood-thinner, therapy.
"This is more than a procedural milestone — it's about preventing strokes before they happen, safeguarding lives and dignity for our patients," Dr. Javiar Roman-Gonzales, a cardiac electrophysiology specialist at Methodist Hospital Texsan, said in the release. "Our EP team's achievement highlights the commitment at the hospital to provide lifesaving, cutting-edge technologies to our South Texas community."
The LAAC program is supported by a multidisciplinary team that includes EP physicians, anesthesiologists, imaging specialists, nursing staff and patient navigation personnel, the release states. The procedure seals the left atrial appendage—a small pouch where clots commonly form in AFib. According to a news release, a successful procedure reduces the risk of a clot moving to the brain and inducing a stroke.
Quote of note
“Each implant is not just about a device but about giving someone additional years of health and independence,” Charisma MacIndoe, chief medical officer at Methodist Hospital Texsan, said in the release. “We frequently care for active patients who worry about the downsides of long-term blood thinners. When LAAC is appropriate, it can make day-to-day life feel safer."
Why it matters
According to a news release, LAAC is a way for certain patients to stop long-term blood thinner therapy, which can help many older adults who are at a higher risk of falls and bleeding. Undergoing the procedure can lessen bruising, nosebleeds and cuts taking longer to stop bleeding.
