What is LAA (Left Atrial Appendage) Closure?
Left atrial appendage (LAA) is a small pouch, normally found in the top left of your heart (the left atrium). Blood clots can form in the LAA in certain circumstances such as atrial fibrillation (irregular heart beat) and these clots may move through the body, circulating to the major organs such as brain, causing strokes.
Left atrial appendage closure is a procedure which closes off the opening of left atrial appendage, using a device which acts like a seal or “plug” and keeps clots from being released. Sealing off LAA can reduce the risk of stroke and eliminate the need to take blood-thinning medication.
Your cardiologist will explain the procedure in detail, including the indications and the risks.