Υπηρεσίες & Τμήματα

Anticoagulant therapy is necessary in cases of arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is an arrhythmia that leads to the formation of clots within the heart. These clots can cause a stroke. Therefore, anticoagulants are required. However, these medications also have side effects, the most significant of which is bleeding. Additionally, there are several contraindications for their use, such as kidney failure, esophageal varices, and certain types of cancer. In cases of bleeding while on anticoagulants or contraindications, placing a type of plug in the heart’s pouch, known as the left atrial appendage, eliminates the risk of clot formation, and therefore potential strokes, thus eliminating the need for further anticoagulant therapy. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and sedation, guided by three-dimensional ultrasound. The patient can leave the hospital the following day and resume regular activities from the second day after the procedure.