Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC)

The multidisciplinary Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) team at the CHI Health Clinic Heart Institute has extensive experience in procedural treatment of cardiovascular arrhythmias. The LAAC team is part of the Structural Heart Clinic and has been trained to implant the FDA-approved LAAC devices. 

The Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Closure Technology is a minimally invasive, advanced therapy used to treat some patients living with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) who are at increased risk for stroke. Patients who are implanted with a LAAC device are followed through the Arrhythmia Clinic at the CHI Health Clinic Heart Institute.

LAAC devices are umbrella-like devices that are placed using a catheter. They are FDA-approved LAA closure devices that effectively reduce stroke risk from thromboembolism from the left atrial appendage in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Benefits of Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC)

  • 72% reduction in major bleeding events (nosebleeds, stomach bleeds, brain bleeds)
  • 78% reduction of stroke risk and an improved quality of life
  • 95% implant success rate leading to faster recovery times
  • 99% of patients are off blood thinners medications at 1 year
Watchman

Structural Heart Clinic

The left atrial appendage closure device is one of several treatments available through the Structural Heart Clinic at the CHI Health Clinic Heart Institute. The clinic provides therapy options for patients with persistent or permanent AF who are difficult to treat or continue to experience symptoms.

A multidisciplinary team of electrophysiologists, cardiologists,  and nurse coordinators work with patients to determine the most appropriate and effective therapy to enhance quality of life. Nurse Coordinators assist patients throughout the course of care with work-up assessments, procedure planning, monitoring, and long-term follow up.

Contact Us

If your doctor is suggesting a consultation for Left Atrial Appendage Closure, request a referral to the CHI Health Clinic Heart Institute Structural Heart Clinic. You or your physician may contact us by calling (402) 717-7187 (Omaha) or (402) 328-3953 (Lincoln).

Our LAAC Specialists

Hussam Abuissa, MD

Electrophysiology,
Cardiology

Stephen Ackerman, MD

Electrophysiology

Himanshu Agarwal, MD

Interventional Cardiology,
Cardiology

Arun KR Kanmantha Reddy, MBBS

Interventional Cardiology,
Cardiology

Nayanjyoti Kaushik, MBBS, FACC, FHRS

Electrophysiology