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Rythmopole

Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure

Left atrial appendage closure is an innovative procedure offered to patients with atrial fibrillation who cannot take anticoagulants. This preventive treatment aims to significantly reduce the risk of stroke. Our team of electrophysiologists at the Rythmopôle Center can help determine whether this solution may be right for you.

The left atrial appendage is a small pouch-shaped structure located on the wall of the heart’s left atrium.

To better understand the anatomy of the heart:

  • The heart has four main chambers:
    • Two atria (upper chambers) that receive blood
    • Two ventricles (lower chambers) that pump blood out
  • Each atrium has a small appendage called an atrial appendage
  • The left atrial appendage measures about 2 to 4 centimeters in length
  • Its internal structure is complex and irregular, with many small cavities

Why is the left atrial appendage important?

  • In patients with atrial fibrillation, blood can stagnate in the appendage
  • This stagnation promotes the formation of blood clots
  • More than 90% of cardiac clots form in the left atrial appendage
  • These clots can travel to the brain and cause a stroke

This is why closing the left atrial appendage can be an effective strategy to prevent strokes in patients who cannot take anticoagulants.

In cases of atrial fibrillation (a common heart rhythm disorder):

  • Blood flows less efficiently in the left atrium and stagnates in the appendage
  • This stagnation promotes the formation of clots
  • These clots can travel to the brain and cause a stroke

Usually, patients take anticoagulants to prevent this risk. But some patients cannot take them due to:

  • A history of severe bleeding
  • High risk of falls
  • Problematic drug interactions
  • Occupations with a high bleeding risk

Closing the atrial appendage then offers an effective alternative to prevent strokes without relying on anticoagulants. We invite you to discuss this option with one of our electrophysiologists at the Rythmopôle Center.

The most common method is the percutaneous approach (without opening the chest):

  • Procedure performed under general anesthesia
  • Simple puncture in the groin (femoral vein)
  • Insertion of a catheter up to the heart
  • Placement of a device at the entrance of the appendage
  • Procedure guided by imaging (fluoroscopy and echocardiography)
  • Duration: about 30 to 60 minutes
  • Short hospital stay (generally 1 to 2 nights)

This procedure is performed at the Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, a leading facility located in the heart of the 14th arrondissement of Paris, offering the latest techniques for the management of cardiovascular diseases.

Left atrial appendage closure offers several major benefits for eligible patients:

  • Effective alternative to anticoagulants for people who cannot take them
  • Minimally invasive procedure (without opening the chest), greatly reducing risks and discomfort
  • Quick recovery after the procedure, with a return to normal activities within a few days
  • Definitive solution that, after the initial healing period, generally no longer requires lifelong anticoagulant therapy
  • Significant reduction in stroke risk, comparable to that achieved with anticoagulants but without the associated bleeding risks
  • Performed in a center of excellence (Institut Mutualiste Montsouris), ensuring optimal care with state-of-the-art equipment

Clinical studies confirm the effectiveness of this approach, offering peace of mind to patients and their families regarding the risk of stroke linked to atrial fibrillation.

Left atrial appendage closure may be a suitable option for certain patients. During a consultation at the Rythmopôle Center, our specialists can evaluate your personal situation and, if this procedure is appropriate, refer you to the Institut Mutualiste Montsouris for the intervention. This procedure is generally considered for people who:

  • Suffer from atrial fibrillation
  • Have a high risk of stroke
  • Experience difficulties with long-term anticoagulant therapy

We encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of our electrophysiologists for a personalized, no-obligation evaluation.

Left atrial appendage closure represents an important advancement for patients with atrial fibrillation who experience difficulties with standard anticoagulant treatments. At the Rythmopôle Center, our specialized team works closely with the Institut Mutualiste Montsouris to offer you this innovative therapeutic option under the best possible conditions. Do not hesitate to contact us to learn more and find out whether this solution could improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of stroke

Questions fréquentes

Pose d’un dispositif de fermeture de l’auricule gauche chez un patient à haut risque d’AVC ne pouvant pas prendre d’anticoagulants
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