Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) is a medical procedure used to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib). The left atrial appendage is a small, finger-like projection of tissue in the heart that is believed to be the source of blood clots that can cause strokes in patients with AFib.
During a LAAC procedure, a catheter is threaded through a vein in the leg and up to the heart. A small device, such as a plug or a clip, is then inserted into the left atrial appendage to seal it shut and prevent blood from pooling and forming clots.
LAAC is considered an alternative to long-term anticoagulant therapy, which can have side effects such as bleeding and require frequent monitoring. LAAC is typically recommended for patients who are at high risk for stroke but are not suitable candidates for anticoagulant therapy.
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