Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong marked another milestone on 11 October 2019 by being the first private hospital in Asia to perform a left atrial appendage closure surgery using a newly modified device that reduces the risk of stroke in patients. This coincided with the hospital’s expansion of its Cardiology Clinic in October 2019, showcasing its aspirations to be a leading specialist in this field.
Dr Tse Tak Sun, Director, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Gleneagles Hong Kong, explained that left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a treatment strategy to reduce the risk of left atrial appendage blood clots formation causing a stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. In patients with high risk of stroke, the standard treatment is blood thinning medications, however, some patients may not be able to tolerate this type of medication treatment. In that circumstance, the LAAO is an implant-based alternative to blood thinners.
Dr Tse added that the new generation WATCHMAN LAAC device has better control for intuitive, safe and precise positioning. The device is also easier to deploy which may potentially improve procedural success rate, minimise metal exposure and enhance conformability, which can lead to better seal and lower complication rate.
Having performed more than 650 cardiology procedures since the opening of its Cardiology Clinic in May 2019, Gleneagles Hong Kong will continue its pursuit to be a pioneer in this field and support its medical team in embracing new technologies to benefit patients.
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