What is the purpose of the left atrial appendage?

The physiological properties and anatomical relations of the LAA render it ideally suited to function as a decompression chamber during left ventricular systole and during other periods when left atrial pressure is high.

What is left atrial appendage closure procedure?

Left atrial appendage closure (also known as LAA closure or LAAC) is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to reduce the risk of stroke that comes as a result of atrial fibrillation (also known as Afib or AF.) Atrial fibrillation is a common form of arrhythmia, a condition in which the heart beats out of rhythm.

How common is a left atrial appendage?

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a finger-like extension originating from the main body of the left atrium. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common clinically important cardiac arrhythmia, occurring in approximately 0.4\% to 1\% of the general population and increasing with age to >8\% in those >80 years of age.

What is LAA exclusion?

The left atrial appendix (LAA) is the most common place of thrombosis in patients with AF, and it can easily be excluded from the systemic circulation at the time of cardiac surgery by excision, ligation, suturing, or stapling.

How is the Maze procedure performed?

Maze is a surgical procedure used to treat atrial fibrillation. A doctor creates a pattern of scar tissue (the maze) in the upper chambers of the heart by applying heat or cold. Or, the doctor uses a scalpel to make several precise incisions. This method is more complex and takes longer.

What is the function of the appendage?

1 Introduction. Animal appendages are external projections from the body wall that are used for very diverse functions including locomotion, grooming, and feeding.

Does everyone have atrial appendage?

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a small pouch extending off the side of your left atrium in the heart that can act as a decompression chamber when atrial pressure is high. While everyone has an LAA, the size and anatomy varies, as do the issues it can cause.

What is an appendage of the heart?

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a small, ear-shaped sac in the muscle wall of the left atrium (top left chamber of the heart).

What is a maze procedure on the heart?

How successful is the maze procedure?

Results. Surgical maze procedures have a high success rate, with from 70\% to 95\% of people being free of atrial fibrillation long term after the procedure. Some people may still need medications to help control their irregular heart rhythm after the procedure.

Is maze procedure safe?

As with all surgeries, a maze procedure involves risks and complications. Complications may become serious and life threatening in some cases. Complications can develop during surgery or recovery.

What is the appendage in the heart?

Your left atrial appendage is a small pouch, shaped like a windsock, found in the top left of your heart (the left atrium). Like your appendix, your left atrial appendage doesn’t really have a clear role to play in your body.