Specialist for left atrial appendage closure: Dr P K Goel
Left Atrial Appendage Closure
Dr.
P K Goel, Director of Interventional Cardiology at Medanta Hospital Lucknow
informs that Left atrial appendage closure or LAAC is a minimally invasive
procedure that is used to reduce the risk of stroke. In patients with
intermittent or persistent atrial fibrillation ( irregular heart beating),
results avoid the lifelong use of blood thinners.
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Frequently
asked questions
1.
What is a left atrial appendage closure?
Dr
P K Goel: Left atrial appendage closure is a procedure that closes off the
opening of your left atrial appendage. Your left atrial appendage is a small
pouch, shaped like a windsock, found in the top left of your heart (the left
atrium). Like your appendix, your left atrial appendage doesn’t have a
clear role to play in your body.
2.
Why do I need a left atrial appendage closure?
Dr
P. K. Goel: Your doctor may recommend a left atrial appendage closure procedure
if you have a disease known as atrial fibrillation - which occurs when your
heart’s electrical system is disturbed and your heartbeat becomes irregular.
As
your heart contracts with each heartbeat, blood is squeezed out of the left
atrium and into the left ventricle (bottom left of your heart). If you have
atrial fibrillation, blood can’t be squeezed out of your left atrium
effectively, and can therefore collect in your left atrial appendage and
increase your chances of a stroke.
Blood
thinning medications are a common treatment for atrial fibrillation but they
aren’t suitable for everyone. If you can’t take medication, your doctor will
recommend surgery to close the opening of your left atrial appendage.
3.
What is the percutaneous procedure for left atrial appendage closure?
Dr.
P K Goel: Percutaneous repair means your left atrial appendage can be closed
through your skin without requiring surgery. The procedure takes place in a
cath lab, and you’ll will be connected to heart monitors throughout the
procedure. During the percutaneous procedure:- A
cannula will be put in your arm to give you medication
- A
local anesthetic to numb the area - or a general anesthetic may be given
- so you don’t feel any discomfort
- A
special catheter is gently inserted in your groin and guided slowly up to
your heart across the wall that separates the right and left side of your
heart
- Using
X-rays, X-ray dye, and echocardiograms, a device is then positioned and
expanded at the opening of the left atrial appendage (this acts like a
seal or “plug” and keeps clots from being released)
- The
catheter is removed and the device stays in. Over time a thin layer of
tissue will grow over the surface of the device
