Tucson VA Unveils Advanced Heart Treatment as National Awareness Week Wraps Up
In a race against time, doctors are turning to a groundbreaking procedure to save lives threatened by a silent killer lurking in the heart.
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion, or LAAO, is emerging as a beacon of hope for those living with the constant fear of stroke due to atrial fibrillation.
Imagine a small pouch in your heart, seemingly harmless, yet potentially deadly. This is the left atrial appendage, a tiny sac-like structure where blood can pool and form clots in patients with irregular heartbeats. These clots, if released, can travel to the brain, causing devastating strokes that shatter lives in an instant.
Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) in Tucson has introduced left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), a minimally invasive cardiac procedure that offers an alternative to long-term blood thinner use for patients with atrial fibrillation. This innovative technique seals off the left atrial appendage, a small sac in the heart's left atrium, to prevent blood clot formation and reduce stroke risk. As Heart Failure Awareness Week 2025 concludes, LAAO emerges as a beacon of hope for thousands of Veterans at risk of life-altering events. The procedure not only advances cardiovascular care but also liberates many from the constraints of blood-thinning medications and their associated bleeding risks.
SAVAHCS Cardiologist Ji Eun Park agrees that this innovative procedure aligns with the goals of Heart Failure Awareness Week, observed from this week, which aims to educate the public about heart health and promote prevention strategies. This underscores the importance of continuous advancements in cardiac care and their potential impact on improving patients' quality of life.
In 2024, Tucson VA Medical Center was the top VA implanting site for left atrial appendage occlusion across the country.
Dr. Park emphasizes the importance of offering this treatment at VA facilities: "It's crucial that we can provide this life-changing procedure to our veterans right here at SAVAHCS. Many of our patients prefer to receive care in a familiar environment, and now we can offer them this advanced treatment without referring them to outside providers".
By offering procedures like LAAO, the clinic ensures that Veterans have access to the latest advancements in heart failure prevention and treatment, aligning with the broader goals of Heart Failure Awareness Week to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Veterans interested in learning more about LAAO and other cardiac services offered at SAVAHCS are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers to determine if they may be candidates for this innovative procedure.