Patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of irregular heart rhythm, have a high risk of blood pooling and forming clots in the left atrial appendage (LAA). Traditionally, blood thinners were the only treatment to prevent blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation. These medications can have challenging side effects, such as severe bruising or life threatening bleeding. 

A left atrial appendage closure is a minimally invasive, one-time procedure designed to reduce the risk of strokes that originate in the left atrial appendage (LAA) during nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. This may allow patients to live life without the need for lifelong blood thinners. 

Using advanced intracardiac echo techniques, Dr. Pu performs the LAA closure procedure without the need for general anesthesia. This allows most patients to return home the same day without the need for an overnight stay.  procedure. Furthermore, there are no major incisions with TAVR and patients are typically able to walk the same day and return home the following day.