Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) Surgery/Procedure
About
What is Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Surgery/Procedure?
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) is a minimally invasive heart procedure designed to prevent strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who are at high risk of bleeding and cannot take long-term blood thinners. The procedure involves closing off the small pouch in the left atrium (called the left atrial appendage) where blood settles and forms clots in AF patients.
Using a small device called the Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Device, the opening is sealed so clots can’t escape and cause a stroke. The procedure is typically done via a catheter through the groin and avoids open-heart surgery. It may be considered for patients who cannot take long-term anticoagulants.
Who It’s For?
Who Needs Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) Surgery/Procedure?
Have non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF)
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) is used to prevent stroke in patients with AF not caused by a heart valve issue, where clots commonly form in the left atrial appendage.
Cannot tolerate long-term blood thinners
If medications like warfarin or NOACs cause side effects or are unsafe for you, the Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Device offers a non-drug alternative.
Have had bleeding complications on anticoagulants
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) is ideal for those who’ve experienced serious bleeding while on blood thinners.
Prefer a one-time procedure over lifelong medication
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) provides stroke protection without the need for daily anticoagulants, under the care of a Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion specialist in Mumbai.
Benefits of Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO)
What are the Benefits of Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) Surgery/Procedure?
Reduces stroke risk in AF patients
Blocks the area where clots commonly form in atrial fibrillation.
Blood thinners after LAAO
Many patients can stop oral anticoagulants after a period of follow-up, as advised by their cardiologist; some may not.
Minimally invasive procedure
Done through a small groin incision without open-heart surgery.
For people with bleeding risks
May be considered for patients who cannot take long-term anticoagulants.
Device placement
The device is placed once and is designed to stay in place. Regular follow-up is needed.
Outcomes of Procedure Delay
Risks of Delay of Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) Surgery/Procedure
- Increased risk of stroke due to clot formation in the left atrial appendage
- Ongoing reliance on blood thinners despite bleeding risks
- Higher chance of major bleeding events
- Worsening of atrial fibrillation symptoms over time
Procedure Timeline
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) Procedure Timeline & Recovery
Day 1
Admission, echocardiogram/TEE, pre-procedure imaging, and planning
Day 2
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) device placement via a catheter-based procedure under general anesthesia
Day 3
Post-procedure monitoring; discharge if stable
Week 1
Resume light activity; blood thinners tapered under supervision
Week 6-12
Follow-up transesophageal echo (TEE) to confirm device position and seal
Beyond 3 Months
Long-term monitoring. Many patients can stop oral anticoagulants after a period of follow-up, as advised by their cardiologist; some may not.
What Sets us Apart
Why Choose Heart Valve Experts?
LAAO team at Heart Valve Experts
LAAO is performed by the interventional cardiologists at Heart Valve Experts.
Atrial fibrillation care
Specializes in atrial fibrillation care and non-surgical stroke prevention options like Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO).
Advanced 3D Echo Infrastructure
3D echo is available for LAAO procedures.
Multidisciplinary Heart Team
Combines expertise from interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, and cardiac anesthesia.
An option if you cannot take blood thinners
May be considered for patients who cannot take long-term anticoagulants; your cardiologist will advise.
Personalized Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) Treatment Plans
Every patient receives tailored care from a Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion specialist in Mumbai.
Your Consultation
What to expect at your consultation
- What should I bring to my consultation?
- Please bring your previous reports, such as echocardiogram (echo), ECG, CT scan and angiography reports, along with discharge summaries and a list of the medicines you take.
- What happens during the consultation?
- The doctor reviews your medical history and reports, examines you and explains your heart condition. If more information is needed, further tests may be advised.
- Will I be told about all treatment options?
- Yes. The doctor discusses the options that may suit you, including medicines, catheter-based procedures and surgery, with their possible benefits and risks, so you can decide with your family.
- Can I get an opinion on my existing reports first?
- Yes. You can share your reports for a review before you visit. The doctor will tell you whether an in-person assessment is needed.
FAQs
