The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
Left atrial appendage occlusion
ALSO KNOWN AS LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE CLOSURE
A non-surgical cardiac procedure that can reduce the risk of stroke if you have atrial fibrillation.
What is a left atrial appendage?
The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a pouch connected to the left atrium of your heart, one of the heart's upper chambers.
When the LAA doesn't squeeze consistently, such as in atrial fibrillation, the blood inside may form clots which represent a risk of stroke.
Left atrial appendage occlusion closure is an alternative treatment to reduce this risk if you're unable to take blood-thinning medication.
Need to know
The procedure is done under general anaesthetic. A thin flexible tube (catheter) will be threaded into your heart through a vein in your groin. The occlusion device is placed on the end of the catheter in a collapsed state. An echo probe in the oesophagus will help guide it into place.
Once the catheter is at the opening of the left atrial appendage, the small metal device is secured, preventing blood clots from forming or escaping. This device will stay in place while your own tissue grows over it to permanently seal the entrance. The whole procedure usually takes around an hour.
Your consultant will explain the LAA procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. They will let you know how to prepare. Because you'll be under general anaesthetic, your consultant will also let you know how long to avoid eating and drinking beforehand. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved which your specialist will explain these to you.
You may be able to return home on the same day as your procedure, but most people will need to spend one night in hospital to recover. Your consultant will let you know what to expect. You should avoid vigorous exercise for a few days after the procedure to allow time for the area where the catheter was inserted in your groin to heal.
Your consultant will discuss this with you and let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work or exercise. They’ll also give you advice on any medication you may need to continue taking to manage your condition.
Our Left atrial appendage occlusion locations
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.