treatment
LAAO (left atrial appendage occlusion)
In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF, irregular heart rhythm) and an elevated risk of stroke who are unable to take oral anticoagulation (blood thinners) to reduce stroke risk, LAAO can be considered to reduce bleeding risk and provide stroke risk reduction without the requirement for long term oral anticoagulation.
What is the left atrial appendage and why is it a problem?
In patients with AF at elevated stroke risk, the out pouching of the left atrium - the left atrial appendage - is a very common site for the development of thrombosis (blood clot) that can move through the arterial system to the brain, blocking a vital brain artery to cause a stroke. Usually oral anticoagulation medication substantially reduces the risk of this occurring and is the currently recommended treatment for most patients with AF at an elevated risk of stroke.
Why would you need LAAO?
Several scenario’s exist where LAAO may be recommended by Prof. Shand. Firstly you may have had major bleeding whilst taking anticoagulation (blood thinners) and other medical specialists have recommended that these are discontinued leaving you at an elevated risk of stroke. Alternatively, you may have had an AF related stroke despite taking anticoagulation tablets and additional stroke risk reduction is required. Finally, some patients do not wish to take anticoagulation tablets in the long term and want to explore other avenues of stroke risk reduction.
