This procedure is a minimally-invasive "keyhole" procedure for patients with atrial fibrillation which reduces the risk of stroke and may allow them to stop taking blood thinning (anticoagulant) medication (AF).
Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at higher risk of stroke because clot can build up in the left atrial appendage, a small sack-like vessel located at the top of the left atria (the upper left chamber of the heart).
Patients with AF are often recommended to take a blood-thinning (anticoagulant) medication, but in some cases, this may cause problems in itself such as bleeding. There may also be medical problems in the past such as brain haemorrhage, which would make giving anticoagulants dangerous. Some patients are unwilling to take a blood thinning medication permanently and are keen to have a procedure to avoid this.
The procedure is undertaken under general anaesthetic. A transoesophageal echocardiogram is used to assess the left atrial appendage and check for clot. The size of the appendage is also measured carefully.
A specialist catheter (long thin tube) is advanced to the heart through a vein in the groin, which delivers a “plug” device to the left atrial appendage, stopping the build-up of clot. It may be combined with an ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation.
Patients usually go home the next day.
Left atrial appendage occlusion is a specialist procedure. Our cardiologists are available for consultation on any day of the week and weekends as well.
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