The left atrial appendage is a small pouch in the upper left chamber of your heart. In people with atrial fibrillation (AF)—a common heart rhythm disorder—blood can collect in this pouch and form clots. These clots can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
If you have AF and are at high risk of stroke but cannot take long-term blood thinners due to bleeding concerns, an LAA closure may be a suitable alternative. This procedure seals off the pouch to help prevent clots from entering the bloodstream.
After the procedure, you will be monitored overnight in recovery or the Cardiac Care Unit (CCU). Your cardiologists will advise you about medications prior to the procedure. You may need to take blood-thinning medication for a short time while the device settles into place.
You should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a few days. Most people return to normal activities within a week.
A follow-up echocardiogram will be scheduled about 4–6 weeks after the procedure to check the position of the implant.
Please arrange for a family member or friend to take you home and stay with you overnight. You should not drive or make important decisions for 24 hours after having a general anaesthetic.
This is a one-time implant, and the device does not need to be replaced.
