Download Left Atrial Appendage Closure

Left Atrial Appendage Closure
People with atrial fibrillation, also called A Fib, have a five times greater risk of having a stroke. With A Fib, the upper chambers of the heart (atria) quiver or fibrillate and blood tends to pool making clots more likely to form – especially in a small area called the LAA (left atrial appendage). When these clots travel out of the heart to the brain, a stroke can occur. The risk of stroke with A Fib is reduced when “blood thinning” medicine such as Coumadin, Xarelto®, or Pradaxa® is taken to prevent blood clots from forming. When taking blood thinners isn’t possible, a procedure called left atrial appendage closure is an option. By closing off the LAA, blood clots cannot leave the area and travel to the 
A small incision is made in your upper leg brain. This greatly reduces the risk of a (groin) and a sheath is inserted into a large stroke.
blood vessel. The sheath is a short hollow tube slightly larger than the width of a pencil. A CT scan of the chest is needed to view the left atrial appendage and to ensure that you 
The doctor threads a thin hollow tube are a candidate for the procedure. The called a catheter through the sheath up to procedure cannot be done on people who the inside of the heart and contrast dye is have had open heart surgery in the past. injected so the LAA can be seen.
During the Procedure
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes about 2 hours. It is done in a special surgical room equipped with a type of X-ray called fluoroscopy. 
A small incision is also made in the chest so the doctor can place a special suture device outside the heart to reach the LAA. The doctor uses the suture device to permanently close off the LAA. 1
After the Procedure
You will stay in the hospital about 1 to 3 days. You may have some mild pain in your chest. You will be given instructions for follow-up care. Talk with your doctor about your questions or concerns. Dev. 9/12, Rev. 915
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