UPDATE 1-AtriCure's heart device gets FDA approval; shares up

* To launch device later this month

* Shares up 17 pct after market

June 14 (Reuters) - AtriCure Inc (ATRC.O) said U.S. health regulators approved its device that helps prevent blood clots in the heart, sending its shares up 17 percent.

The company said its AtriClip system prevents blood from entering and forming clots in the left atrial appendage, a hollow sac-like structure attached to the heart's left upper chamber, during irregular heart beats.

AtriCure plans to launch the device later this month in the United States.

Shares of the company were up 90 cents at $6.13 in after-market trade. They closed at $5.23 Monday on Nasdaq. (Reporting by Anand Basu in Bangalore; Editing by Vinu Pilakkott)