Cardiac ear occlusion with cardiac arrhythmia

Blood thinning (anticoagulation) prevents the formation of blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation. Such blood clots can occur as a result of an irregular heart rhythm and, in the worst case, can lead to a stroke.

After closure of the left atrial appendage, blood thinners can be discontinued in patients who cannot tolerate them. The atrial appendage is closed using a catheter via the groin (endovascular) or endoscopically using minimally invasive thoracoscopy by the cardiac surgeon.

Heart ear closure using a catheter

A heart ear closure using a catheter is an innovative method in which a special instrument, often referred to as an "umbrella", is inserted into the left heart ear via the groin. This procedure can effectively close the auricle.

The primary aim of this procedure is to prevent the formation of blood clots in the auricle. These clots can lead to serious complications, in particular a stroke. The risk of stroke is significantly reduced by closing the left auricle with the umbrella.