FEEDBACK ON THE ATRICLIP

Looking to hear from those who had the LAA clipped.
- Did you have it done via open heart surgery or thorascopically?
- Did you have any complications after the surgery? How were they treated?
- Were you left with any issues (ex: chronic pain, breathing issues, etc)?
- Were you able to stop taking bloodthinners or aspirin for good?
- How long did it take for you to feel normal and resume regular activities?
Any feedback will be deeply appreciated.
Many many thanks!
Mona

I had a atria clip when I have a mini maze surgery 18 years ago. I never felt any side effects from the procedure no exercise issues. I have heard that some intense athletes feel that their performance has been affected by closure. You can likely find some articles regarding that topic.

After many years of discussion with various EP's and cardiologists, I have been told that I do not have to stay on a blood thinner If I chose not to, some folks however decide to take a low dose blood thinner. I can opt for a baby aspirin twice a week, or nothing at all. I opt for the baby aspirin. There will be some new medications - blood thinners- coming out in the not-too-distant future, so I think folks will have more options. There are some EP's trending toward pill in a pocket for blood thinners in case you go into AFIB. Clinical trials are ongoing with that.

Also, my spouse had emergency open heart surgery two years ago for an aortic dissection. Long story. However, the surgeon did use a ATRI clip and told us that he did not want my spouse to be on blood thinners for the rest of his life. He told us that this is now standard procedure during open heart surgeries. He is not on a blood thinner. He works out 4 days a week at the gym and the golf course several days a week. He is 75. Have not heard any complaints from him regarding exercise.

I responded to your question.

Hello there,
I am sorry it took me so long to see your reply!
What a comprehensive feedback - thank you!
I am glad that both you & your spouse experienced no problems with the Atriclip. That's great to hear.
May I ask what's the name of the surgeons who did your minimaze?
Do you still have Afib? Sporadic or all the time?
Many thanks for the info that the clip is now standard for open heart surgeries - I didn't know that.
Have you & your spouse done MRIs, CT-scans & Xrays with no issues?
Have you had a cardioversion or an ablation after the clip?
Thank you in advance!

We have both had MRI and CT and x-rays with no issues. Dr, Puskas who is now in NY did my Mini Maze in 2007, when the procedure was just starting to be offered, and I was part of a study group to determine how long it would last. This was done at Emory University hospital in Georgia. About a week after the procedure, I went into AFIB and needed to be cardioverted. That is the only one I have ever had in 46 years.

I was AFIB free for 10 years, then it came back. I was not on any blood thinner during that time. Since then, I have had 2 "touch up" ablations for flutter and Ectopic beats. Having a clip does not prevent any arrythmia. It is done to prevent stoke if you go into AFIB or any other arrythmia.

I am a bit of an outlier. I was diagnosed with AFIB when I was 30. In those days it was called "lone AFIB" since no cause was ever found, even to this day. I am going to be 76 in a few weeks. I have had a very full and active life.

There are a few EP's who advocate for a blood thinner for life even if you have a watchman or clip. There are some studies right now about this topic and looking at a pill in a pocket approach for a blood thinner in case you experience an arrythmia.

Keep in mind this in many cases is a progressive disorder. Experts are still working on lasting solutions. I will likely not see it in my lifetime. Having clips, watchman or any other implantable at this point, will not prevent arrythmias.

Hope this helps. Are you thinking about a procedure that would involve a clip?

Dr, Puskas who is now in NY did my Mini Maze in 2007

Puskas is now at Emory, in Atlanta. I had a video consultation with him last year. Great reputation.

Jim



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/17/2025 08:56PM by mjamesone.