Is Left Atrial Appendage Closure Right for Me?

If you have nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (Afib) and either cannot tolerate blood thinners or don't want to take them because of the risks and side effects, you may be a candidate for left atrial appendage closure (LAAC).

LAAC is a procedure that can reduce your risk of stroke by blocking off a small pocket in the heart, the left atrial appendage, that has the potential to collect blood and create blood clots.

To determine whether the LAAC procedure is right for you, your doctor may perform one or more of the following diagnostic tests:

• Echocardiogram (ECHO)
• Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Blood tests
• X-rays
• Cardiac catheterization

It is important to tell your doctor about:

• All medications, herbal products and dietary supplements you are currently taking
• Whether you have diabetes; if so, you might need to adjust your medicine on the day of the procedure
• Any allergies to medicines, latex, tape, iodine and anesthetic agents
• Any history of bleeding disorders
• Any implanted device you may have, for example, a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)