CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Private left atrial appendage occlusion closure (LAAO)
- No.1 in the UK for private cardiac care
- Minimally invasive left atrial appendage occlusion for stroke prevention
- Appointments with expert cardiologists in as little as 24 hours
- Access specialist cardiac care in London and Birmingham
- 99% of our cardiac patients would recommend us to friends and family
Private Left atrial appendage occlusion closure treatment
Why choose us?
When it comes to your heart health, you want to be sure you’re in the safest possible hands, and HCA UK is the No.1 provider of private cardiac care in the UK. We have a success rate of 99% across all our cardiac surgeries, which is what helps thousands of patients to trust us. More than 99% of them would happily recommend us to friends and family.
Our leading cardiac consultants and multidisciplinary teams use the latest technology and techniques to diagnose your condition, tailor your left atrial appendage occlusion procedure and make sure you’re cared for every step of the way.
We’re here to help you.
Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) closure is a keyhole surgical treatment that can reduce the risk of blood pooling in your left atrial appendage and forming clots, which can lead to a stroke. During the procedure, a left atrial appendage occlusion device is inserted to plug the gap in your left atrial appendage. This is left in place for your tissue to grow around it.
A left atrial appendage occlusion procedure is usually performed using keyhole techniques rather than open heart surgery. Your consultant will insert a thin, flexible tube called a catheter through a blood vessel in your groin and guide it to your heart.
Your consultant will use imaging to position the left atrial appendage occlusion device before releasing it to seal the left atrial appendage. Once it's in place, your own tissue grows over the device, effectively sealing the left atrial appendage. This procedure is effective in helping to lower the risk of blood clots forming in this area of the heart.
At HCA UK, you'll be treated by experienced cardiac consultants and multidisciplinary teams with expertise in left atrial appendage occlusion closure procedures.
If you suffer from atrial fibrillation, the electrical impulses that control your heartbeat don’t travel in the usual way. They can be faster and more chaotic, which means that when your heart contracts, blood isn’t always fully pumped out of the left upper chamber (atrium) of your heart into the left lower chamber (ventricle). That blood can pool in your LAA and form clots, which can cause a stroke. Left atrial appendage occlusion closure can seal the opening and reduce your stroke risk.
You’re a good candidate for left atrial appendage occlusion closure keyhole surgery if you suffer from atrial fibrillation, but you’re not able to take anticoagulant medication that can thin your blood. Anticoagulants can reduce the risk of clots forming, but some people aren’t able to take them due to a risk of bleeding or other medical conditions.
Your cardiac consultant will be able to give you tailored advice on your specific condition and whether left atrial appendage occlusion is a procedure that could help.
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See a specialist and get on the path to an expert diagnosis in as little as 24 hours.
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Your left atrial appendage occlusion closure surgery with HCA UK
What to expect
Every patient is different, and your consultant and their team will tailor your treatment so it’s as effective as possible for your condition. They’ll give you detailed information at every stage, and you’ll always be able to ask any questions, but this will give you a good idea of what to expect from the process.
01
Initial LAAO consultation
Before any keyhole surgery, you’ll always have an initial consultation with an expert cardiology consultant here at HCA UK. It’s a chance for them to hear about your medical history, heart health and any previous treatments you’ve had. Then they’ll explain the diagnostic tests you need before the procedure and arrange them for you.
02
LAAO tests and scans
Your consultant will need to get clear images of your heart, to see precisely how well it’s functioning to plan your left atrial appendage occlusion closure in detail. They’ll arrange for you to have tests in our advanced facilities, which might include a transoesophageal echocardiogram, an electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests and a CT scan.
We know waiting for results can be stressful, so we’ll aim to get yours back within 48 hours. You'll then have a follow-up appointment with your consultant to plan your procedure.
03
Minimally invasive LAAO surgery
Your keyhole surgical procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic. A thin flexible tube (catheter) is threaded into your heart through a vein in your groin. The catheter has a device on the end which can help plug the gap in your LAA, and it’s guided into place using an echo probe in your oesophagus. Once the small metal device is secured in your left atrial appendage, it should prevent clots from forming or escaping, and your own tissue will eventually grow over it to permanently seal the opening. The whole keyhole procedure usually takes around an hour.
04
LAAO recovery and aftercare
You might be able to go home on the same day as your left atrial appendage occlusion closure procedure, but most people will need to spend the night in hospital to recover, and your consultant will let you know exactly what to expect.
The incision in your groin where the catheter was inserted will need time to heal, so you should avoid vigorous exercise or strenuous activity for a few days after your procedure.
If you need any medication to help you recover, your consultant will give you all the advice you need and let you know how and when to start getting back to your regular routine, such as work or exercise.
The incision in your groin where the catheter was inserted will need time to heal, so you should avoid vigorous exercise or strenuous activity for a few days after your procedure.
If you need any medication to help you recover, your consultant will give you all the advice you need and let you know how and when to start getting back to your regular routine, such as work or exercise.
Where can I get left atrial appendage closure treatment?
We have expert cardiologists and multidisciplinary teams waiting to take care of you at a network of clinics and specialist hospitals in London and Birmingham. We’ll ensure you receive expert treatment at every stage.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Left atrial appendage occlusion closure FAQ
You don’t need to make any special preparations before your keyhole surgical procedure, but you’ll be given a general anaesthetic, so your consultant will let you know when to stop eating and drinking beforehand. It’s also a good idea to wear loose, comfortable clothing to make your recovery and journey home easier.
A left atrial appendage closure procedure is usually performed using keyhole techniques under a general anaesthetic, although your consultant will explain the approach that's most appropriate for you. The procedure typically takes around one to two hours, depending on your individual circumstances.
Your cardiac consultant will insert a thin, flexible tube called a catheter through a blood vessel in your groin and guide it to your heart before positioning a left atrial appendage occlusion device to seal the left atrial appendage. You'll be monitored throughout your treatment and, in most cases, you'll stay in hospital overnight before returning home the following day.
Every patient is different, and your recovery will depend on your age, your overall health, and how fast the tissue grows around the device that’s been implanted in your LAAO. The incision in your groin should heal in a few days, but you’ll need to avoid strenuous activity for a few days or weeks. Your consultant will arrange for the follow-up appointments you need and advise you about any lifestyle changes or medications that can help.
Any keyhole surgical procedure carries a degree of risk, and LAAO closure can lead to infection, blood clots and bleeding. There’s also a risk that the device implanted in your heart may move out of position or that complications may occur during or after the procedure.
This is a minimally invasive keyhole procedure, so you should heal more quickly than with open surgery, and your consultant will talk you through what’s going to happen and explain any risks in detail beforehand.
A left atrial appendage closure procedure can't guarantee that you'll avoid having a stroke, but it can help reduce your risk. By sealing the left atrial appendage, the procedure lowers the chance of blood clots forming in this area of the heart and travelling to the brain.
For suitable patients, left atrial appendage occlusion for stroke prevention can provide an alternative to long-term anticoagulant medication. This may help reduce the need for ongoing blood-thinning treatment, although your cardiac consultant will advise whether this approach is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
For suitable patients, left atrial appendage closure is a well-established treatment that can help reduce the risk of stroke associated with atrial fibrillation. Your cardiac consultant will assess your condition, discuss the expected benefits and explain whether this procedure is the right option for you.
Although it's sometimes referred to as a surgical procedure, left atrial appendage closure is usually performed using minimally invasive keyhole techniques rather than open heart surgery. This approach is designed to support a shorter recovery and, in most cases, requires only a short stay in hospital.
The cost of private left atrial appendage treatment can vary depending on your individual diagnosis, the type of treatment you need and any tests or investigations required beforehand. Your consultant will explain the costs involved and provide a personalised quotation before your treatment begins.
To help cover the cost of LAAO treatment, HCA UK offers a range of payment options for patients paying for their own care.
Our patients’ stories
How a health kick revealed a serious heart condition: James' story
When James introduced some new exercises into his daily routine, he began to experience severe symptoms. An angiogram at The Wellington Hospital revealed that all four of his arteries were blocked and that he would urgently need a triple bypass procedure.
"Time is of the essence with my heart, as I have diabetes"
Saleem, 57, keeps an active lifestyle to remain fit and healthy. He plays badminton once a week and goes for a walk in the morning and evening every day. Despite having type 2 diabetes, he continues to have a balanced and energetic life.
Solving Alex’s undiagnosed heart condition
At the age of 12, dancer Alex Brookes began experiencing irregular heart palpations. After initially being told it was nothing to worry about, her symptoms persisted and her mum decided it was best to seek medical advice and chose The Portland Hospital.
“From the day I arrived for my angiogram to the moment I was discharged, I was treated like royalty.”
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