On Thursday, July 6, Northwest Health – Porter performed its 500th left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) procedure. This leading edge stroke risk reduction procedure involves implanting a device that offers patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFib) an alternative to long-term use of blood thinners.
Up to 6 million Americans are estimated to be affected by AFib – a heart condition where the upper chambers of the heart (atrium) beat too fast and with an irregular rhythm (fibrillation) – causing them to have a five times greater risk of stroke than those with normal heart rhythms.
The most common treatment to reduce stroke risk in patients with AFib is blood-thinning medication. Despite its proven efficacy, this type of long-term medication is not well-tolerated by some patients and carries a significant risk for bleeding complications. Nearly half of AFib patients eligible for the blood thinning medication are currently untreated due to tolerance and adherence issues.
During the LAAC procedure, physicians close off the area of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA) to keep harmful blood clots that can form in the LAA from entering the blood stream and potentially causing a stroke. By closing off the LAA, the risk of stroke may be reduced and, over time, patients may be able to stop taking their blood thinner medication.
“The left atrial appendage closure procedure performed by the cardiologists at Northwest Health – Porter is an effective stroke risk reduction alternative for many patients, especially those who can’t be on blood thinners,” said Ashley Dickinson, Chief Executive Officer for Northwest Health. “In 2016, Northwest Health – Porter was the first hospital in northern Indiana approved to implant the device, and is currently the third hospital in the state of Indiana to perform 500 procedures – a true medical milestone and with important benefits to our patients.”
The device used by cardiologists at Northwest Health – Porter, is a permanent implant that does not need to be replaced and can’t be seen outside the body. The procedure is done under general anesthesia and takes about an hour. Patients commonly stay in the hospital overnight and leave the next day.
About Northwest Health
Northwest Health is a comprehensive healthcare system committed to providing communities in Northwest Indiana with high-quality, accessible healthcare—from highly specialized care and surgical services to more routine primary care. The system of more than 60 access points includes three hospitals, five emergency departments, urgent care centers, outpatient surgery centers, an ambulance service, and physician offices. A team of more than 3,000 employees work together with the more than 700 physicians on its medical staffs. Northwest Health is owned in part by physicians. For more information, visit NWHealthIN.com.
