Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO)

Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC)

Ask your doctor

Your questions can serve as a great starting point for a conversation with your medical team about whether a left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) 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 LAAO. 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.

clinical trial female doctor talking to patient
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR DOCTOR

Bring a list of questions to ask your doctor about left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO).

  1. Why do I need this procedure?
  2. What are the benefits of LAAO for me?
  3. Are there alternatives to this procedure?
  4. What are the risks of this procedure?
  5. How does my medical history affect my options?
  6. What are the risks if I don’t have this procedure?
  7. How should I prepare for the procedure?
  8. Can I stop taking blood thinners after the procedure?
  9. What is the recovery process like for someone my age and in my condition?
  10. What follow-up care will I need? How often will I need to come in for follow-up tests or imaging?
  11. Will I need to continue with treatments for AFib after this procedure?
  12. Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
  13. What happens if complications occur?
  14. How effective is this procedure in preventing strokes?
  15. How often do you perform this procedure?

Improving Patient Care

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) is the leading nonprofit medical society representing invasive and interventional cardiology. Founded in 1978, SCAI’s mission is to lead the global interventional cardiovascular community through education, advocacy, research, and quality patient care. 

SCAI has dedicated its work to advancing the profession and is the designated society for guidance, representation, professional recognition, education, and research opportunities for invasive and interventional cardiology professionals. For more than 40 years, SCAI has personified professional excellence and innovation globally, fostering a trusted community of more than 4,500 members dedicated to medical advancement and lifesaving care for adults and children with cardiovascular disease.  

Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions®

1100 17th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036