Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery - Left Atrial Appendage Ligation

Atrial fibrillation, "A-Fib," or "AF" 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 a stroke 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 haemorrhage. 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.