Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

33.8K

Role of the Left Atrial Appendage in Systemic Homeostasis, Arrhythmogenesis, and Beyond

Ghulam Murtaza1, Bharath Yarlagadda2, Krishna Akella1

  • 1The Kansas City heart rhythm institution and research foundation, HCA MIDWEST HEALTH, Second Floor, 5100 W 110th St, Overland Park, KS 66211, USA.

Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinics
|February 19, 2020
PubMed

Insights

The left atrial appendage is crucial for body balance and preventing clots in atrial fibrillation (AF). LAA closure offers benefits for arrhythmias, homeostasis, and stroke reduction.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • The left atrial appendage (LAA) influences body homeostasis through atrial natriuretic peptide and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
  • It plays a significant role in atrial compliance and is the primary site for thrombus formation in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the homeostatic functions of the LAA.
  • To discuss the LAA's role in cardiac arrhythmogenesis and thrombus formation.
  • To highlight LAA closure as a therapeutic strategy for AF management.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on LAA function, AF, and stroke.
  • Analysis of the physiological roles of the LAA in homeostasis and arrhythmogenesis.
  • Discussion of epicardial and endocardial LAA closure techniques.

Main Results:

  • The LAA significantly impacts cardiovascular homeostasis and atrial function.
  • Approximately 90% of clots in nonvalvular AF originate within the LAA.
  • LAA closure is an emerging strategy to mitigate stroke risk and manage AF-related complications.

Conclusions:

  • The LAA has critical homeostatic and arrhythmogenic roles.
  • Understanding LAA pathophysiology is key to managing AF and preventing stroke.
  • LAA closure presents a promising alternative to anticoagulation for stroke prophylaxis in AF patients.

Keywords:
ArrhythmogenesisLeft atrial appendageSystemic homeostasis

More Related Videos

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation23:33

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

84.3K
High-Resolution Endocardial and Epicardial Optical Mapping in a Sheep Model of Stretch-Induced Atrial Fibrillation09:17

High-Resolution Endocardial and Epicardial Optical Mapping in a Sheep Model of Stretch-Induced Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: July 29, 2011

15.1K

Related Concept Videos

Conduction System of the Heart01:20

Conduction System of the Heart

The cardiac conduction system produces and transmits electrical impulses that prompt myocardial contraction, ensuring efficient heart function. This intricate system ensures that the heart beats in a coordinated and efficient manner, beginning with the atria and then the ventricles. The conduction system optimizes cardiac output by maintaining this precise sequence, which is crucial for adequate blood circulation.
This system relies on the unique properties of nodal and Purkinje cells:...
3.1K
Conduction System of the Heart01:19

Conduction System of the Heart

Autorhythmicity is a term that refers to the heart's inherent ability to generate electrical signals and instigate muscle contractions. This self-regulating conduction system within the heart consists of two key components: the pacemaker cells and specialized conducting cells.
The pacemaker cells are located in two primary nodes: the sinoatrial (SA) node and the atrioventricular (AV) node. The SA node pacemaker cells can autonomously depolarize, triggering an action potential that leads to the...
12.2K
Chambers of the Heart01:16

Chambers of the Heart

The human heart is a complex organ made up of four chambers: the right and left atria and the right and left ventricles. These internal chambers are separated by partitions known as the interatrial and interventricular septa. The exterior of the heart features a groove known as the coronary sulcus that demarcates the atria from the ventricles, while the anterior and posterior interventricular sulci distinguish between the two ventricles.
Deoxygenated blood from the body is received in the right...
9.5K
The Cardiac Cycle01:13

The Cardiac Cycle

The heart beats rhythmically in a sequence called the cardiac cycle—a rapid coordination of contraction (systole) and relaxation (diastole).
The Process
Electrical signals—sent from the sinoatrial (SA) node in the right atrial wall to the atrioventricular (AV) node between the right atrium and right ventricle—cause both atria to simultaneously contract. When the signal reaches the AV node, it pauses for approximately a tenth of a second, allowing the atria to contract and...
97.0K
Overview of the Heart01:07

Overview of the Heart

The heart, a muscular organ located in the chest, functions as the body's pump, circulating blood through the vascular system. It has four chambers: two atria on top and two ventricles below. The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body and passes it to the right ventricle, which pumps it to the lungs for oxygenation. The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and transfers it to the left ventricle, which pumps it to the rest of the body.
The heart's structure...
12.3K
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias01:28

Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms occurring when the heart's electrical impulses become abnormal. These disturbances can lead to various symptoms, depending on their severity and the underlying cause. Some common factors contributing to arrhythmias include hypoxia, ischemia, electrolyte imbalances, excessive catecholamine exposure, drug toxicity, and muscle overstretching. Arrhythmias can be classified into two main types based on the rate and site of origin of abnormal heart rhythms.
1.5K