After Left Atrial Appendage Closure

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 2, 2025.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

After left atrial appendage closure (LAAC),

your healthcare provider may give you specific instructions to follow while you heal. It is important to take your medicines as directed to prevent a blood clot. The procedure does not treat atrial fibrillation (A-fib), but it does help decrease your risk for a stroke. Keep all follow up appointments with your provider to make sure the appendage does not develop a leak.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US), or have someone call if:

• You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
  • Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
  • You may also have any of the following:
    • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
    • Shortness of breath
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat
• You have any of the following signs of a stroke:
  • Numbness or drooping on one side of your face
  • Weakness in an arm or leg
  • Confusion or difficulty speaking
  • Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss
• Your catheter site is bleeding heavily and does not stop after 5 to 10 minutes of pressure.

Seek care immediately if:

• Your leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
• Your heart is beating faster or slower than usual.
• Your catheter site has increased bruising or swelling.
• Your catheter site is swollen, red, or draining pus.

Call your doctor if:

• You have a fever.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Related medications

Medicines:

Your healthcare provider will tell you when to take the following medicines. The type and timing of medicines depends on how the appendage was closed and if a device was placed. You may need to take a blood thinner for about 6 weeks. Then, you may stop taking blood thinners and start taking antiplatelets and aspirin. In about 6 months, you may be able to stop taking antiplatelets and only take aspirin. Do not move from one medicine to another until your provider tells you to.

• Blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Many types of blood thinners are available. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for the type you are given. The following are general safety guidelines to follow while you are taking a blood thinner:
  • Watch for bleeding and bruising. Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin, and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports.
  • Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers that you take a blood thinner. Wear a bracelet or necklace that says you take this medicine.
  • Do not start or stop any other medicines or supplements unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Many medicines and supplements cannot be used with blood thinners.
  • Take your blood thinner exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip a dose or take less than prescribed. Tell your provider right away if you forget to take your blood thinner, or if you take too much.
• Antiplatelets , such as aspirin, help prevent blood clots. Take your antiplatelet medicine exactly as directed. These medicines make it more likely for you to bleed or bruise. If you are told to take aspirin, do not take acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead.
• Aspirin helps lower the risk for blood clots. Your provider will tell you how much aspirin to take each day. You will need to continue taking aspirin indefinitely.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Activity:

• Rest as needed. You may feel like resting more for the first day after your procedure. Do not make any important decisions, drive, or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours. You may still feel the effects of general anesthesia during this time.
• Ask when you can return to your regular activities. Your healthcare provider will tell you when it is okay to drive, return to work, and do other activities. Do not lift heavy objects, climb stairs, or do any strenuous activity for at least 3 days. Your provider may also tell you to avoid certain movements, such as bending. You may be able to walk short distances while you heal. Walking helps prevent blood clots. Your provider will give you specific instructions to follow.

Care for the catheter site:

• Keep the bandage on the catheter site for 1 day. Then you can remove the bandage. If the wound starts bleeding, apply firm pressure for 10 minutes. Use gauze or a clean towel to apply pressure.
• Check the catheter site for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus.
• Ask when you can bathe after your procedure. Your healthcare provider may tell you to take a shower instead of a bath if the bandage is still in place. Cover the bandage and keep it dry during the shower. Pat your skin dry. Do not rub over the catheter site to dry your skin.
• Apply ice to the area to reduce swelling, bruising, and pain. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Wrap a towel around the bag before you apply it to the site. Apply it for 20 minutes every hour, or as directed.

Manage A-fib:

• Know your target heart rate. Learn how to check your pulse and monitor your heart rate.
• Manage other health conditions. This includes high blood pressure, sleep apnea, thyroid disease, diabetes, and other heart conditions. Take medicine as directed and follow your treatment plan.
• Limit or do not drink alcohol. Alcohol can make A-fib hard to manage. Ask your healthcare provider if it is okay for you to drink alcohol. Your provider may want you to limit the number of drinks you have in a day or within a week. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause heart and lung damage. Ask your provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.
• Eat heart-healthy foods. Heart-healthy foods will help keep your cholesterol low. These include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Replace butter and margarine with heart-healthy oils such as olive oil and canola oil.
• Eat less sodium (salt). Sodium can affect how your heart works. Your provider will tell you how much sodium is okay for you. Try not to add salt to food you cook. If you salt food as you cook, do not add more at the table. Use herbs to season foods. Read labels in the grocery store so you can choose low-sodium options.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your provider what a healthy weight is for you. Your provider can help you create a weight loss plan, if needed.
• Get regular physical activity. Physical activity helps improve your heart health. Get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity each week. Your provider can help you create an activity plan.

Follow up with your doctor or cardiologist as directed:

You will need to return in 6 weeks to make sure the atrial appendage is closed. You will also need to return in 6 months for a check. After that, you may be able to come in 1 time each year for a check. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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