{"id":704,"date":"2026-02-28T15:45:17","date_gmt":"2026-02-28T15:45:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/heartcareforyou.in\/blog\/left-atrial-appendage-closure-definition-clinical-context-and-cardiology-overview\/"},"modified":"2026-02-28T15:45:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-28T15:45:17","slug":"left-atrial-appendage-closure-definition-clinical-context-and-cardiology-overview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/heartcareforyou.in\/blog\/left-atrial-appendage-closure-definition-clinical-context-and-cardiology-overview\/","title":{"rendered":"Left Atrial Appendage Closure: Definition, Clinical Context, and Cardiology Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Left Atrial Appendage Closure Introduction (What it is)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Left Atrial Appendage Closure is a procedure that seals off the left atrial appendage, a small pouch connected to the left atrium.<br\/>\nIt is a structural heart intervention used to reduce the risk of clot-related stroke in selected patients, most often those with atrial fibrillation.<br\/>\nIt is encountered in cardiology alongside decisions about oral anticoagulation, bleeding risk, and stroke prevention.<br\/>\nIt can be performed using catheter-based devices or surgical\/epicardial techniques, depending on the clinical setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Left Atrial Appendage Closure matters in cardiology (Clinical relevance)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia associated with thromboembolism, including ischemic stroke. In nonvalvular AF, thrombus (clot) formation frequently originates in the left atrial appendage (LAA) because blood flow can become sluggish in this cul-de-sac during disorganized atrial contraction. Preventing these embolic events is a core goal of cardiovascular care, because strokes can be disabling and carry long-term morbidity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oral anticoagulation (OAC)\u2014such as direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or warfarin\u2014reduces stroke risk for many patients with AF, but anticoagulation is not ideal for everyone. Some patients have a history of major bleeding, high bleeding risk, or practical barriers to long-term anticoagulation adherence and monitoring. Left Atrial Appendage Closure offers a nonpharmacologic approach to stroke risk reduction by targeting the anatomic source where thrombi often form in AF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From an educational standpoint, Left Atrial Appendage Closure ties together core cardiology concepts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Anatomy<\/strong> (left atrium and appendage morphology)  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Hemodynamics<\/strong> (stasis and flow patterns)  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Thrombosis<\/strong> (Virchow\u2019s triad and embolization)  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Risk stratification<\/strong> (balancing stroke risk vs bleeding risk)  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Procedural cardiology<\/strong> (imaging guidance, transseptal access, device-host interactions)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The topic also illustrates real-world clinical reasoning: not every patient with AF needs an invasive procedure, and not every patient who cannot take anticoagulation is automatically a candidate. Patient selection, careful imaging, and follow-up protocols are central to outcomes and safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Classification \/ types \/ variants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Left Atrial Appendage Closure is best categorized by <strong>approach<\/strong> and <strong>method of LAA isolation<\/strong>, rather than by \u201cstages.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">By approach: percutaneous vs surgical\/epicardial<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p><strong>Percutaneous (transcatheter, endocardial) closure<\/strong><br\/>\n  A catheter is advanced (typically via femoral venous access) into the heart, and a device is deployed within or at the opening of the LAA to seal it from the left atrium. This approach is commonly performed in a cardiac catheterization laboratory under echocardiographic and fluoroscopic guidance.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Surgical or epicardial LAA exclusion<\/strong><br\/>\n  The appendage is excluded from circulation using techniques such as clipping, ligation, or excision. This may be done:<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>During open cardiac surgery<\/strong> (for example, concomitant with valve or coronary surgery), or  <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Using minimally invasive\/thoracoscopic approaches<\/strong> in selected settings, depending on local expertise and patient anatomy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">By method: occlusion vs exclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p><strong>Occlusion (endocardial device-based sealing)<\/strong><br\/>\n  A plug or disc-like device blocks the communication between the LAA and the left atrium. Over time, tissue may grow over parts of the device surface (endothelialization), helping create a durable seal.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Exclusion (epicardial closure or surgical removal)<\/strong><br\/>\n  The appendage is closed off from the outside of the heart (epicardial) or removed. The goal is the same\u2014eliminate LAA blood flow\u2014but the technical steps and risk profile differ.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">By imaging guidance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Procedures may be guided by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)<\/strong> <\/li>\n<li><strong>Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE)<\/strong> <\/li>\n<li><strong>Cardiac computed tomography (CT)<\/strong> for pre-procedure planning in many centers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Specific device names and exact protocols vary by region, regulatory approvals, and institutional practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Relevant anatomy &amp; physiology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Left atrium and the left atrial appendage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>left atrium (LA)<\/strong> receives oxygenated blood from the pulmonary veins and passes it through the <strong>mitral valve<\/strong> into the left ventricle. The <strong>left atrial appendage<\/strong> is a trabeculated, finger-like outpouching of the LA. Its shape is variable among individuals, which matters for device sizing and sealing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Key anatomic points relevant to Left Atrial Appendage Closure include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>LAA ostium and landing zone<\/strong>: the opening and internal region where a device or closure mechanism must anchor securely.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Neighboring structures<\/strong>: the LAA sits near the left-sided pulmonary veins and is in proximity to coronary structures and the pericardial space. Understanding these relationships helps explain potential procedural complications.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Interatrial septum<\/strong>: transcatheter closure commonly requires a <strong>transseptal puncture<\/strong> to move from the right atrium to the left atrium.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Physiology: flow, stasis, and embolization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In normal sinus rhythm, coordinated atrial contraction contributes to atrial emptying and forward flow. In AF, atrial contraction is ineffective, and blood flow within the LA and LAA can become <strong>slow and swirling<\/strong>, promoting <strong>stasis<\/strong>. Stasis, together with endothelial changes and prothrombotic states (elements of <strong>Virchow\u2019s triad<\/strong>), increases the likelihood of clot formation. If clot dislodges, it can embolize to systemic arteries, including cerebral circulation, causing ischemic stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Left Atrial Appendage Closure aims to modify this physiology by eliminating the LAA as a site of thrombus formation and a conduit for embolization into the systemic circulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pathophysiology or mechanism<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why the LAA is targeted in AF<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In nonvalvular AF, the LAA is a common site where thrombi originate because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The LAA is a <strong>low-flow recess<\/strong> during AF.  <\/li>\n<li>Its trabeculations can create zones of <strong>relative stagnation<\/strong>.  <\/li>\n<li>The atrium may be enlarged or fibrotic in many AF patients, further impairing flow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While not all thrombi in AF originate from the LAA, it is a frequent source, which provides the mechanistic rationale for closure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Left Atrial Appendage Closure works<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Left Atrial Appendage Closure reduces stroke risk by <strong>mechanically preventing blood flow between the LA and the LAA<\/strong> (or removing\/excluding the appendage), thereby:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Reducing blood stasis within the LAA<\/strong> by isolating it from circulation  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Preventing thrombus formed in the LAA<\/strong> from entering the systemic circulation  <\/li>\n<li>Potentially allowing some patients to avoid or limit long-term oral anticoagulation exposure (the exact antithrombotic plan varies by protocol and patient factors)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>For endocardial device closure, the immediate effect is <strong>anatomic sealing<\/strong>; over time, the body\u2019s healing response may form a tissue layer over exposed device surfaces, which is one reason follow-up imaging and short-term antithrombotic therapy are commonly considered in many protocols. For surgical\/epicardial techniques, the mechanism is <strong>physical exclusion<\/strong> (clip\/ligation) or <strong>removal<\/strong>, aiming for complete elimination of LAA flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clinical presentation or indications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Left Atrial Appendage Closure is typically considered in clinical scenarios such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation with elevated thromboembolic risk<\/strong>, where stroke prevention is indicated  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Atrial fibrillation with a reason to avoid long-term oral anticoagulation<\/strong>, such as prior significant bleeding or high bleeding risk (exact definitions vary by clinician and case)  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Patients with difficulty maintaining therapeutic anticoagulation<\/strong> or practical barriers to safe, consistent anticoagulant use (varies by protocol and patient factors)  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Concomitant LAA exclusion during other cardiac surgery<\/strong>, when a patient with AF is already undergoing a surgical procedure for another indication  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Recurrent thromboembolic events despite anticoagulation<\/strong> in selected cases, after careful evaluation (this is complex and varies by clinician and case)  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Patient preference after shared decision-making<\/strong>, when more than one reasonable stroke-prevention strategy exists<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Importantly, Left Atrial Appendage Closure is not a treatment for the rhythm itself; it does not convert AF to sinus rhythm or address rate control. It is primarily a <strong>stroke-prevention strategy<\/strong> within broader AF management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diagnostic evaluation &amp; interpretation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Evaluation for Left Atrial Appendage Closure includes confirming the clinical indication, understanding anatomic suitability, and ruling out contraindications. Common components include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clinical assessment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>AF history<\/strong>: type (paroxysmal, persistent, or permanent), symptom burden, prior cardioversions\/ablations  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Stroke and bleeding history<\/strong>: prior stroke\/transient ischemic attack (TIA), intracranial hemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleeding, anemia, fall risk (context-dependent)  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Comorbidities<\/strong>: heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, vascular disease, chronic kidney disease, liver disease  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Medication review<\/strong>: current or prior anticoagulants\/antiplatelets and reasons for intolerance or complications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Risk stratification often involves established frameworks (for example, stroke risk scores and bleeding risk scores), but the decision is individualized and influenced by the overall clinical context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cardiac testing and imaging<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Electrocardiogram (ECG)<\/strong>: documents AF or atrial flutter and evaluates other conduction findings.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)<\/strong>: assesses ventricular function, chamber size, and valvular disease. Significant valvular pathology can change the stroke-prevention approach and candidacy.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)<\/strong>: commonly used to:<\/li>\n<li>Exclude <strong>existing LAA thrombus<\/strong> before intervention  <\/li>\n<li>Characterize LAA anatomy (ostium size, depth, lobes)  <\/li>\n<li>Guide transseptal puncture and device positioning during the procedure  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Cardiac CT<\/strong> (in many centers): helps with pre-procedure planning, 3D anatomy, and device sizing; protocols vary.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE)<\/strong>: may be used in some workflows to guide the procedure without TEE; usage varies by operator and center.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Interpreting \u201csuccess\u201d and follow-up findings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After closure, clinicians commonly assess:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Seal quality<\/strong>: whether there is residual flow around the device (often called a peri-device leak), interpreted in context of size and clinical risk.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Device position and stability<\/strong>: whether it is well-seated and not migrating.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Device-related thrombus<\/strong>: thrombus formation on or near the device is an important finding with management implications (management varies by protocol and patient factors).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Management overview (General approach)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Management of stroke risk in AF typically includes <strong>anticoagulation when indicated<\/strong>, and Left Atrial Appendage Closure is one option within that broader framework. A high-level view:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conservative and medical approaches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Risk factor optimization<\/strong>: managing hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, obesity, and alcohol use can support overall AF care and reduce cardiovascular risk, though it does not substitute for stroke-prevention therapy when indicated.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Oral anticoagulation (OAC)<\/strong>: commonly used for stroke prevention in AF; choice of agent and duration depends on patient factors and clinical context.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Antiplatelet therapy<\/strong>: generally less effective than anticoagulation for AF-related stroke prevention and is typically not used as the sole strategy when anticoagulation is indicated; exact roles vary by comorbid coronary disease and clinician judgment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Interventional approach: Left Atrial Appendage Closure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Left Atrial Appendage Closure is considered when the anticipated benefit of reducing stroke risk without lifelong anticoagulation exposure outweighs procedural risks. The typical care pathway includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pre-procedure planning<\/strong>: imaging, medication review, and assessment of anatomy and procedural suitability.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Procedure<\/strong>: for percutaneous closure, access is usually through the venous system with transseptal entry to the left atrium, followed by device deployment under imaging guidance.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Post-procedure antithrombotic strategy<\/strong>: many protocols use short-term anticoagulation and\/or antiplatelet therapy after device placement to reduce early thrombotic risk while healing occurs. The exact regimen varies by protocol and patient factors.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Follow-up imaging<\/strong>: commonly used to confirm device position, sealing, and absence of thrombus.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Surgical\/epicardial management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When performed surgically (often concomitantly), LAA exclusion is integrated into perioperative management. Postoperative rhythm management, anticoagulation decisions, and follow-up depend on the surgical context, AF status, and other patient-specific risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, Left Atrial Appendage Closure is best understood as a <strong>stroke-prevention tool<\/strong>, not a rhythm-control therapy, and it complements\u2014not replaces\u2014comprehensive AF management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Complications, risks, or limitations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Risks depend on the technique (percutaneous vs surgical), patient anatomy, comorbidities, and operator experience. Commonly discussed complications and limitations include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Periprocedural bleeding<\/strong> (including access-site bleeding), which may be influenced by antithrombotic therapy and vascular anatomy  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Pericardial effusion or tamponade<\/strong>, related to cardiac perforation risk during transseptal access or device manipulation  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Device embolization or migration<\/strong> (uncommon but clinically important), potentially requiring retrieval or surgery  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Stroke or systemic embolism<\/strong> during or after the procedure (risk varies by patient and procedural factors)  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Device-related thrombus<\/strong> on the device surface, which may prompt changes in antithrombotic management (varies by protocol and patient factors)  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Residual peri-device leak<\/strong>, which may or may not be clinically significant depending on extent and overall risk profile  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Contrast-related issues<\/strong> (for CT planning or fluoroscopic procedures), including kidney injury or allergic reactions in susceptible patients  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Anesthesia-related risks<\/strong> if general anesthesia is used (practice varies)  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Incomplete surgical closure<\/strong> in some cases, which can leave residual LAA flow<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Limitations include that Left Atrial Appendage Closure does not address non-LAA sources of thromboembolism and does not eliminate stroke risk entirely. It also requires structured follow-up and, in many workflows, temporary post-procedural antithrombotic therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prognosis &amp; follow-up considerations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Prognosis after Left Atrial Appendage Closure is influenced by the patient\u2019s underlying AF-related stroke risk, comorbidities (such as heart failure or vascular disease), and procedural outcomes (seal quality, absence of device-related thrombus, and complication-free recovery).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow-up commonly focuses on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Clinical monitoring<\/strong> for neurologic symptoms, bleeding events, and heart failure status  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Rhythm management<\/strong> (rate control and\/or rhythm control strategies continue as appropriate, since the procedure does not treat AF itself)  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Medication reconciliation<\/strong> to ensure the post-procedure antithrombotic plan aligns with the intended protocol and evolving clinical status  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Repeat imaging<\/strong> at an interval determined by local protocol to confirm:<\/li>\n<li>Stable device position (for percutaneous closure)  <\/li>\n<li>Adequate sealing and absence of significant leak  <\/li>\n<li>No thrombus formation on or near the closure site<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Long-term expectations vary by clinician and case. Many patients resume usual activities after recovery, but timing depends on access-site healing, complications (if any), and overall cardiovascular fitness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Left Atrial Appendage Closure Common questions (FAQ)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: What does Left Atrial Appendage Closure actually \u201cclose\u201d?<\/strong><br\/>\nIt closes off the left atrial appendage, a small pouch connected to the left atrium. The goal is to prevent blood from entering that pouch and forming clots that could travel to the brain or other organs. Closure can be done with a catheter-delivered device or with surgical\/epicardial techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Is Left Atrial Appendage Closure the same as treating atrial fibrillation?<\/strong><br\/>\nNo. It is primarily a stroke-prevention strategy, not a rhythm-control treatment. AF may still be present after closure, so rate control, rhythm control, and risk factor management are considered separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Who is typically considered for Left Atrial Appendage Closure?<\/strong><br\/>\nIt is most often considered for patients with nonvalvular AF who have an indication for stroke prevention but have reasons to avoid long-term oral anticoagulation. Examples include prior significant bleeding or high bleeding risk, though what qualifies can vary by clinician and case. Suitability also depends on anatomy and procedural considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: How do clinicians decide between anticoagulation and Left Atrial Appendage Closure?<\/strong><br\/>\nDecision-making commonly weighs stroke risk, bleeding risk, feasibility of long-term anticoagulation, patient preferences, and procedural risk. Established stroke and bleeding risk frameworks may be used, but they do not replace individualized clinical judgment. Shared decision-making is a central part of the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: What tests are commonly done before the procedure?<\/strong><br\/>\nEchocardiography is central, especially transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to look for existing clot in the appendage and to assess anatomy. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) helps evaluate heart function and valves. Many centers also use cardiac CT to better define appendage anatomy and support device planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Does Left Atrial Appendage Closure mean a patient can stop blood thinners immediately?<\/strong><br\/>\nNot necessarily. Many protocols use short-term anticoagulation and\/or antiplatelet therapy after device placement to reduce early clot risk while healing occurs. The exact medication plan varies by protocol and patient factors and is individualized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: What are typical recovery expectations after a catheter-based closure?<\/strong><br\/>\nRecovery often focuses on access-site healing and monitoring for early complications. Many patients resume routine activities after a short recovery period, but the timeline depends on anesthesia approach, vascular access management, and overall health. Follow-up visits and imaging are commonly part of early recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: How is the device or closure checked over time?<\/strong><br\/>\nFollow-up imaging (often TEE or sometimes CT) may be used to confirm the device remains stable, the appendage is adequately sealed, and there is no clot on the device. Clinicians also monitor symptoms and review medications as part of longitudinal care. The schedule varies by protocol and patient factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: What are the main limitations of Left Atrial Appendage Closure?<\/strong><br\/>\nIt reduces stroke risk related to thrombus formation in the LAA but does not eliminate stroke risk entirely. It does not treat the underlying arrhythmia, and it does not address other potential sources of emboli. Procedural risks and the need for follow-up imaging and temporary antithrombotic therapy are also important considerations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Left Atrial Appendage Closure is a procedure that seals off the left atrial appendage, a small pouch connected to the left atrium. It is a structural heart intervention used to reduce the risk of clot-related stroke in selected patients, most often those with atrial fibrillation. It is encountered in cardiology alongside decisions about oral anticoagulation, bleeding risk, and stroke prevention. It can be performed using catheter-based devices or surgical\/epicardial techniques, depending on the clinical setting.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-704","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/heartcareforyou.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/704","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/heartcareforyou.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/heartcareforyou.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/heartcareforyou.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/heartcareforyou.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=704"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/heartcareforyou.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/704\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/heartcareforyou.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=704"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/heartcareforyou.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=704"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/heartcareforyou.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=704"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}