Implantable Device Treatment
Lakeview Hospital now offers our patients a new revolutionary treatment for nonvalvular fibrillation, known as AFib. The new state of the art device reduces the risk of stroke and blood clots for people with nonvalvular AFib by closing off the area of the heart where blood clots can form and enter the bloodstream.
Are you a candidate for the implant?
The implant is indicated for people who:
- Have nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
- Are at increased risk for a stroke
- Are recommended for blood thinning medicines
- Are suitable for warfarin
- Have a reason to seek a non-drug alternative to warfarin
When considering whether or not you are a candidate for treatment, here are a few questions you can ask your physician:
- What causes my AFib?
- Am I at greater risk of having a stroke?
- What treatment options can help reduce risk of stroke?
- Do I need blood thinners? What kind (aspirin, warfarin)?
- What are risks and side effects of blood thinners?
- What other treatment options can help reduce my risk of a stroke?
What to expect
The minimally invasive procedure does not require open-heart surgery. It takes about an hour and is performed under general anesthesia.
Like in a stent procedure, your doctor will make a small cut in your upper leg, insert a flexible tube (catheter) into a vein and guide the implant into your heart. The device never needs to be replaced and is invisible on your body.
You will stay in the hospital overnight and recovery takes about 24 hours.