Treatment Services

WATCHMAN™ or Amulet Implant (Left Atrial Appendage Closure)

The Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Implant provides an alternative for patients with atrial fibrillation that cannot take blood thinners on a long-term basis. The implant acts as a plug by closing off the left atrial appendage where clots can form as a result of atrial fibrillation. The LAAC implant is a minimally invasive, one-time procedure designed to reduce the risk of strokes that originate in the left atrial appendage (LAA). This can be completed with a closed chest and beating heart. Most patients are discharged the same day and with minimal recovery.  Talk to your doctor today to see if you are a candidate.

Manatee Memorial Hospital is the second facility in the state of Florida to reach over 1,000 implanted LAACs. The complication rate at the facility is less than 1%. Multiple research trials pertaining to LAAC have been conducted, such as Amulet and Champion AF. The LAAC program at Manatee Memorial Hospital is under the medical directorship of Daniel Friedman, MD.