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Left atrial appendage occlusion closure
- No.1 in the UK for private cardiac care
- Appointments in as little as 24 hours
- 99% of our cardiac patients would recommend us to friends and family
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Left atrial appendage occlusion closure
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 surgery, which is what helps thousands of patients to trusts us – over 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 treatment and make sure you’re cared for every step of the way.
We’re here to help you.
Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAA) closure is a keyhole surgical treatment that can reduce the risk of blood pooling in your LAA and forming clots which can lead to a stroke. The procedure plugs a gap in your LAA with a surgical device, which is left in place for your tissue to grow around it.
If you suffer from atrial fibrillation, the electrical impulses that control your heartbeat don’t travel in an ordinary 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 (atria) of your heart into the left lower chamber (ventricle). That blood can pool in your LAA and form clots, which can cause a stroke. LAA closure can plug that gap and reduce your stroke risk.
You’re a good candidate for LAA closure keyhole surgery if you suffer from atrial fibrillation but you’re not able to take medication that can thin your blood (anticoagulants). 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 about your specific condition, and whether LAA closure is a procedure that can help.
Your cardiac consultant will be able to give you tailored advice about your specific condition, and whether LAA closure is a procedure that can help.
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Rapid access to tests and scans
See a specialist and get on the path to an expert diagnosis in as little as 24 hours.
State-of-the-art facilities
Access innovative treatment options.
Wide-reaching expertise across the UK
Visit any of our 15 dedicated diagnostic centres in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
Your left atrial appendage occlusion closure surgery with HCA UK
What to expect
Every patient is different, and your consultant and their team will specifically 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 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
Tests and scans
Your consultant will need to get the best possible images of your heart, and 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 state-of-the-art facilities, which might include a transoesophageal echocardiogram, an electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests and a CT scan too. We know waiting for results can be stressful, so we’ll aim to get yours back within 48 hours. Then you’ll have a follow-up appointment with your consultant to plan your procedure in detail.
03
The keyhole surgery itself
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 gap. The whole keyhole procedure usually takes around an hour.
04
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?
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
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.
Every patient is different, and your recovery will depend on your age, your overall health, and how fast the tissue closes around the device that’s been implanted in your LAA. 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 LAA closure can lead to infection, blood clots and bleeding. There’s also a risk that the device implanted in your heart will be rejected or slip out of place. 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.
Our patients’ stories
How a health kick revealed a serious heart condition
When the UK went into lockdown in March 2020, like millions of others, 56-year-old House Manager James took the opportunity to introduce some simple daily exercise into his busy work schedule. Little did he know that the changes would reveal a hidden heart condition, that would require a triple heart bypass to fix.
"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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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.