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Left Atrial Appendage Closure: What to Expect at Home

Overview

Inside view of heart with catheter guided to heart through blood vessel, and detail of left atrial appendage, catheter, and location of device.

Your left atrial appendage (LAA) closure was done to close off this area in your heart. The procedure can help prevent a clot from moving out of the LAA to the heart or brain. This can prevent a stroke. Your doctor used a catheter to place a small device that plugs up the LAA.

After the procedure, you will spend at least 1 night in the hospital. Your groin may have a bruise and feel sore for a few days. This is where the catheter was inserted into your blood vessel. You can do light activities around the house. But don't do anything strenuous for a day or two.

Within the coming year, you will likely have a couple of tests to check that the device has closed off the LAA.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Activity

  • Do not do strenuous exercise and do not lift, pull, or push anything heavy until your doctor says it is okay. This may be for a day or two. Most people can return to regular activities in a few days.
  • Try not to walk up stairs for the first couple of days. This will help the catheter site to heal.
  • Rest when you feel tired.

Diet

  • Eat heart-healthy foods. These foods include vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, lean meat, fish, and whole grains. Limit sodium, alcohol, and sugar.
  • If your bowel movements are not regular right after the procedure, try to avoid constipation and straining. Drink plenty of water. Your doctor may suggest fiber, a stool softener, or a mild laxative.

Medicines

  • Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. You will also get instructions about taking any new medicines.
  • Your doctor will likely prescribe a medicine that prevents blood clots. Be sure to get instructions about how to take your medicine safely. These medicines can cause serious bleeding problems.
  • Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.

Care of the catheter site

  • For 1 or 2 days, keep a bandage over the spot where the catheter was inserted. The bandage probably will fall off in this time.
  • Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to help with soreness or swelling. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
  • You may shower 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, if your doctor okays it. Pat the incision dry.
  • Do not soak the catheter site until it is healed. Don't take a bath for 1 week, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.
  • Watch for bleeding from the site. A small amount of blood (up to the size of a quarter) on the bandage can be normal.
  • If you are bleeding, lie down and press on the area for 15 minutes to try to make it stop. If the bleeding does not stop, call your doctor or seek immediate medical care.

Other instructions

  • Carry your device identification card with you at all times.
  • For 6 months after having the LAA closure, be sure to tell all of your doctors and your dentist that you have the device in your heart. This is important because you may need to take antibiotics before certain procedures to prevent infection.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Call 911anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You have new or worse trouble breathing.
  • You passed out (lost consciousness).
  • You have symptoms of a stroke. These may include:
    • Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
    • Sudden vision changes.
    • Sudden trouble speaking.
    • Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
    • Sudden problems with walking or balance.
    • A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You are bleeding from the area where the catheter was put in your blood vessel.
  • You have a fast-growing, painful lump at the catheter site.
  • You have signs of infection, such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
    • Red streaks leading from the catheter site.
    • Pus draining from the catheter site.
    • A fever.
  • Your leg is painful, cold, tingly, or numb or looks pale, bluish, or purplish.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.

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