AFib patients and Atrial Appendage Ligation/clip
I wanted to know if there are patients who have AFib and had a surgery for the ligation of the atrial appendage of the heart. The cardiologist surgeons perform this surgery either during open heart surgery or by laparoscopic method to place a clip from the outside of the heart. Has anyone had this surgery? This appendage accumulates blood during AFib events and if a blood clot is formed inside this appendage it can be dislodged and travel to the brain causing strokes. The ligation/clip is to prevent blood clots to be detached from the inside of this appendage. It is not a cure for AFib.
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hello @naiviv I see you are interested in connecting with members who have experience with AFib and who might know about the surgery of the atrial appendage you mentioned in your post.
You will see I have moved your post from the COVID-19 group to the Heart Rhythm Conditions group to allow you a better opportunity to connect with members who have experiences with AFib such as @sonjafish1945 @lucky1038 @yorlik who have recently shared in other discussions.
While we wait for members to join the discussion, is this surgery the recommendation of your cardiologist? What concerns you most?
Yes it was discussed with the Mayo Clinic Cardiology department and surgeons. As any surgery people get anxious. I hope other patients who have had this type of surgery join us. Thank you
Is this anything like a clip to stop a mitral valve from leaking? (my condition).
Thank you.
During AFib episodes blood could get inside this atrial appendage where blood clots could be formed, dislodged and travel to the brain causing strokes. My husband had the Laparoscopic surgery not open heart. He had an ablation years ago to correct AFib. The Appendage clip doesn’t cure AFib but prevents blood going inside the appendage. For you condition I think you should talk to your cardiologist. Get well.