Left Atrial Appendage Occluder (LAAO)
Also Known As: WATCHMAN/Amulet Device
Advanced stroke prevention for AFib—led by our highly experienced structural heart team.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) increases stroke risk, especially for patients who cannot safely stay on long-term blood thinners. The LAAO device is a minimally invasive implant that closes off the left atrial appendage—where most AFib-related blood clots form—reducing your stroke risk with a single procedure.
This procedure is part of Kootenai Health’s Structural Heart Program, where a collaborative team of interventional cardiologists, and electrophysiologists evaluates your case together. Supported by one of the most experienced LAAO programs in the region, they work together to determine the safest, most effective approach for your specific risk profile. That same team performs the procedure and guides your care every step of the way.
1000+ LAAO Procedures
Level I+ STEMI & Level II Stroke
IAC-Accredited Imaging
STROKE PREVENTION FOR AFIB
Talk with our Structural Heart team about LAAO
Is LAAO Right for You?
How LAAO works
LAAO is a procedure that seals off the left atrial appendage (LAA) to prevent blood from pooling and forming clots. It is an alternative to blood-thinning medications (e.g., warfarin, DOACs) for stroke prevention in aFib patients.
How it Works
- A catheter is inserted through the femoral vein (in the groin) and guided to the heart to deploy the device.
Who is a candidate?
Reasons you may need an alternative to blood thinners (warfarin):
- History of major bleeding while on blood thinners
- Lifestyle, occupation, or medical conditions with high risk for major bleeding
- Challenges taking blood thinners properly, including:
- Maintaining correct INR levels
- Following dietary restrictions
- Missing doses or difficulty with adherence
- Cost of medication
This procedure might not be an option if you
- have an allergy or sensitivity to nickel, aspirin, placement of a specific type of septal closure, or previous surgical closure of the LAA
Benefits of Procedure
Long-term stroke risk reduction without ongoing blood-thinner therapy for eligible patients
Risks to Consider
Our team will talk with you about your personal risks and make sure you know what to expect before the procedure.
What to Expect
The Process
For patients who might qualify for an LAAO implant:
- Initial Consultation: Connect with one of our cardiologists to discuss specific risks, benefits, and details of the procedure.
- Assessment: Meet with an implantor to confirm the procedure is the correct choice.
Treatment Plan: Specialists collaborate with a patient’s physicians to ensure the safest treatment plan before scheduling the procedure.
Questions About Your Visit?
Call Structural Heart Team at (208) 416-9153
View test results and medical history anytime.
Check out MyChart Getting Started Guide or ask our nurses or front office to get started.
WHEN TO CALL A DOCTOR
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the device implanted?
It involves a one-time procedure performed under general anesthesia. Your cardiologist will guide the LAAO device into your heart through a flexible tube (catheter), inserted through a vein in your groin area. This procedure usually takes an hour, you will be on bedrest from 2-4 hours after the procedure to allow the small incision in the groin to close. A closure device may be used to close this insertion site, you will not see this as it will be under your skin
How long will I be in the hospital?
After the procedure is finished you will recover in the Heart Center Holding unit. Based on individual situations, you may be discharged the day of the procedure, or you may stay in the Heart Center Holding overnight. If you do stay overnight, the typical discharge time will be the following morning.
What kind of medications will I be on before and after my procedure?
If you are currently on a blood thinning medication, you will continue to take this prior to the procedure. You will not stop this medication, unless directed to by a cardiologist prior to your procedure. This will help avoid any possible blood clot forming in your LAA prior to the procedure. After the procedure you will begin taking Aspirin 81 mg daily along with either a blood thinning medication or an antiplatelet medication called Clopidogrel (Plavix). Your physician will choose the best option for you.
What is the expected follow-up after the LAAO procedure?
At around 45-days after your procedure, an imaging study called a Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) is scheduled for you. This will be scheduled prior to discharge on your procedure day. It is used to look for any presence of a clot on the device and the complete closure of the LAA.
Which insurance covers this procedure?
Patients with Medicare and commercial insurance coverage are eligible. If you have questions about the cost, please reach out to the Cost Estimation Line at (208) 625-4484. You will need a five-digit procedural code known as a CPT code. This number is: 33340. You can also contact your insurance company to obtain this information as well.
How is the device implanted?
It involves a one-time procedure performed under general anesthesia. Your cardiologist will guide the LAAO device into your heart through a flexible tube (catheter), inserted through a vein in your groin area. This procedure usually takes an hour, you will be on bedrest from 2-4 hours after the procedure to allow the small incision in the groin to close. A closure device may be used to close this insertion site, you will not see this as it will be under your skin
What kind of medications will I be on before and after my procedure?
If you are currently on a blood thinning medication, you will continue to take this prior to the procedure. You will not stop this medication, unless directed to by a cardiologist prior to your procedure. This will help avoid any possible blood clot forming in your LAA prior to the procedure. After the procedure you will begin taking Aspirin 81 mg daily along with either a blood thinning medication or an antiplatelet medication called Clopidogrel (Plavix). Your physician will choose the best option for you.
Which insurance covers this procedure?
Patients with Medicare and commercial insurance coverage are eligible. If you have questions about the cost, please reach out to the Cost Estimation Line at (208) 625-4484. You will need a five-digit procedural code known as a CPT code. This number is: 33340. You can also contact your insurance company to obtain this information as well.
How long will I be in the hospital?
After the procedure is finished you will recover in the Heart Center Holding unit. Based on individual situations, you may be discharged the day of the procedure, or you may stay in the Heart Center Holding overnight. If you do stay overnight, the typical discharge time will be the following morning.
What is the expected follow-up after the LAAO procedure?
At around 45-days after your procedure, an imaging study called a Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) is scheduled for you. This will be scheduled prior to discharge on your procedure day. It is used to look for any presence of a clot on the device and the complete closure of the LAA.
