Abbott's Amplatzer Amulet Left Atrial Appendage Occluder was approved nearly two years ago. Here are five things to know about the minimally invasive device:
1. The product closes the left atrial appendage, a pouch connected to the upper left heart chamber, to prevent blood clots and minimize stroke risk in people with atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular or fast-paced heartbeat.
2. Before the Amplatzer Amulet's approval, one LAA occluder accounted for the entire market worth more than $500 million, according to Abbott.
3. Patients who are treated with the Amulet will not require blood thinner medicine after the procedure because the device immediately seals the left atrial appendage.
4. In the U.S., between 3 million and 6 million people have atrial fibrillation, and that number is projected to reach between 6 million and 16 million by 2050, according to research published in 2020.
5. Some hospitals and systems have implemented the Amulet, including CarolinaEast Health System. The New Bern, N.C.-based system is the only provider of the product within a 100-mile radius, according to a June 22 news release.