Your questions can serve as a great starting point for a conversation with your medical team about whether left atrial appendage closure (LAA closure or LAAC) is the right treatment for you. We invite you and your family to use the following questions as a tool to help you talk to your doctor about LAA closure. You may print out these questions and take them with you to your next appointment. It’s always a good idea to take notes to help you remember your discussion when you get home.

• Am I a good candidate for LAA closure? Why or why not?

• If I have LAA closure performed, will I be able to stop taking anticoagulant (blood-thinner) medications?

• If LAA closure isn’t right for me, is it possible I would be a good candidate for the procedure in the future?

• Would left atrial appendage closure allow me to have my desired quality of life?

• Which type of left atrial appendage procedure would be best for me? Why?

• I understand LAA closure will not cure my atrial fibrillation. What can be done to address it?

• What will my recovery be like from LAAC? Should I go to a cardiac rehabilitation program?

• Once the procedure is over, will I be able to exercise?  

• What is my long-term prognosis? What are the likely outcomes?

• What follow-up will be necessary?

• What can I do to positively affect the outcome of this procedure?

• Will my weight, cholesterol, diet, blood pressure, or exercise habits have any effect on the outcome of the procedure?

• Who can I turn to for support (hospital staff, support groups, etc.)?  

To download a printable version of this list, Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC), click here.