Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

• Anesthesia options
• Any allergies you may have
• Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
• Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
• Whether you need a ride to and from surgery
• Tests that will need to be done before surgery—such as imaging

Anesthesia

The doctor will give general anesthesia. You will be asleep.

Description of the Procedure

A small incision will be made over a vein in the groin. A tube will be placed into the vein. The tube will be passed through blood vessels to the heart. An imaging machine will help the doctor see where the tube is in the body.

Tools or devices will be passed through the tube to complete the work. The exact steps will depend on the type of LAAC. Some options are:

• Placing a device in the LAA to block off the area. The device will also catch any blood clots before they pass out of the heart. Over time, tissue will form over the filter to seal it.
• The area is closed off with wire and stitches to keep blood out.

Once the procedure is done, the tubes(s) will be removed. Pressure will be applied to the incision to stop bleeding. A bandage will be placed over the area.

How Long Will It Take?

1 to 2 hours

Will It Hurt?

There will be some pain in the chest and insertion site after the procedure. Medicines and home care will help.

Average Hospital Stay

Most can go home the same day as the procedure.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to lower your risk of infection such as:

• Washing their hands
• Wearing gloves or masks

There are also steps you can take to lower your risk of infection such as:

• Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and staff to do the same
• Reminding staff to wear gloves or masks

At Home

Most can return to normal activities within the first few days.