Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC)

Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) is a medical procedure that aims to reduce stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm. The left atrial appendage is a small pouch in the heart where blood clots can form due to irregular contractions. These clots can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. During LAAC, a doctor places a special device inside this pouch to block blood flow, preventing clots from forming or escaping. This offers an alternative to blood-thinning medications, especially for those who cannot take them safely.