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Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery - Left Atrial Appendage Ligation

Atrial fibrillation or "A-Fib" is a common heart arrhythmia. Some patients live with this heart rhythm continuously while others have it come & go sporadically. One of the major complications of atrial fibrillation is clot formation in the heart. These clots can be ejected with a normal beat of the heart and result in strokes or arterial blockages elsewhere in the body (legs, arms, intestines). 


The majority of clots leading to strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation are believed to originate in a part of the heart called the left atrial appendage. The left atrial appendage serves no significant known function but can cause considerable complications in patients with atrial fibrillation.


To reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation medications called anticoagulants or "blood thinners" are prescribed. Some patients encounter complications while on these medications, primarily bleeding issues or hemorrhage. Other patients encounter complications when inadvertent trauma from daily activities or recreation causes bleeding issues. Finally, some patients wish to pursue a very active lifestyle and do not wish to take blood thinners. 


To significantly reduce these risks the left atrial appendage can be surgically closed or "ligated." Additionally, this may allow patients to stop blood thinners, especially if they have excessive risk of bleeding issues or wish to participate in sports or higher-impact activities.

The procedure:

Four incisions between 5 and 15 millimeters are created in the left side of the chest. A small camera and instruments are then used to access the left atrial appendage. A fabric covered metal clip is placed around the base of the appendage and an ultrasound probe confirms its closure. A small drain is left in the chest and typically removed the following day. Most patients remain in the hospital for an overnight stay. Recovery is complete at around 2 weeks but during this time there are minimal restrictions to patients' activity. The surgery is performed with a beating heart approach and does not require cardiopulmonary bypass. The operation usually takes 45 minutes to complete.

Click to learn more about surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation & left atrial appendage ligation

Surgery available for: Aneurysm Of Ascending Aorta, Aortic Dissection, Aortic Root Replacement, Aortic Root Aneurysm, Aortic Stenosis, Aortic Valve Surgery, Arrhythmia, Atrial Arrhythmia, Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Fibrillation Ablation, Atrial Myxoma, Atrial Septal Defect, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Cardiac Tumors, Coronary Bypass Graft, Defibrillator & Pacemaker Placement Or Revision, Epicardial Pacemaker Lead Placement, Left Atrial Appendage Closure, Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion, Maze Procedure, Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement, Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair, Mitral Regurgitation, Mitral Valve Insufficiency, Mitral Valve Stenosis, Mitral Valve Surgery, Myocardial Bridge, Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure, Pericardial Effusion, Pericardiotomy, Pericarditis, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, TAVR, Tricuspid Valve Surgery, Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery, VATS


Areas/Regions Covered: Everett, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Marysville, Mukilteo, Whidbey Island, Bellevue, Bothell, Seattle, Skagit, Snohomish, Mt. Vernon, Bellingham, Tacoma, Woodinville, Western/Central/Eastern Washington, Vancouver, Alaska, Montana, Idaho, Oregon; Cardiac Surgeon


Heart Surgeon - Minimally Invasive VATS Left Atrial Appendage Ligation

Contact Dr. DeBoard's office or ask your cardiologist/primary care physician to schedule an appointment to receive consultation & advice on your cardiac surgical condition.