Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) Procedure

 

LAAO (left atrial appendage occlusion) or LAA closure is a cardinal technique that lowers the risk of stroke in patients experiencing atrial fibrillation (AF). To comprehend the A-Fib (Atrial Fibrillation) and LAA ligation procedures, understanding the candidacy of your heart is crucial.

Your four-chambered heart has two upper (atria) and two lower chambers (ventricles). The atria's job is to prime the lower chambers (the ventricles), which pump blood through the lungs and the body more efficiently. Now comes the role of the Sinus Node—a collection of cells present in the upper right chamber. This natural pacemaker generates the signal that initiates all heartbeats.

When the SA node fires an impulse, both the right and left atria contract and force blood into the ventricles. The impulse then travels through the ventricular walls, causing their contraction and pumping the blood out of your heart. This normal rhythm ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute.

 

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

 

During A-Fib (Atrial Fibrillation), in the atria, instead of the SA node (sinus node) directing the electrical rhythm, many different impulses rapidly fire at once, resulting in chaotic, irregular, and fast-paced heartbeats. This hinders the effective pumping of blood from arteries into the ventricle.

Hence, 100 to 175 beats per minute is shooting higher than the normal rate. This condition is a call for cardinal experts, who might direct you towards the Left Atrial Appendage Ligation, depending on your reports.

 

The LAAO Cardiac Procedure

 

LAAO is usually done using a local anaesthetic and a left atrial appendage closure device. This device is a specialised catheter inserted into the right atrium through a vein in the groin. The septum that separates the left and right atrium is punctured by a special needle and, via a flexible tube, the occluder is implanted in the heart. This LAAO device blocks the left atrial appendage, preventing blood from pooling and forming clots.

 

The post-procedure care at Medanta Hospitals

 

At Medanta Hospitals, we ensure a panel of renowned cardiologists at your dispense with patients' comfort in mind. The hospital crew adheres to strict safety measures so that your pre and post-surgery journey is worry-free.

To determine if you are compatible with the Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device, your doctor at Medanta will look over your medical records, medical history, and current medications.

Depending on the type of imaging instrument used to visualise the heart, the treatment will be performed under anaesthesia with TEE supervision. To reduce the possibility of mechanical difficulties, patients are kept completely immobile.

The hospital staff will thoroughly assist you throughout the journey. This mildly invasive surgery is completed within 1-2 hours & you will be under intense care for the entire period till your discharge, which is 2–5 days. You might forget the follow-up procedure, but Medanta won't. The hospital staff works diligently to safeguard your heart's health. Make your health a priority and rely on the services with confidence!