LAAO
Medical abbreviation · Cardiology
| Stands for | Left atrial appendage occlusion |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
LAAO stands for Left atrial appendage occlusion, a cardiology abbreviation.
Procedure that seals off the left atrial appendage with an implanted plug, typically delivered by catheter through the groin and across the atrial septum, to reduce stroke risk in atrial fibrillation for patients who cannot take long-term blood thinners.
Example: Recurrent GI bleeding on apixaban, CHA2DS2-VASc 5: referred for LAAO.
Usage notes
The Watchman device received FDA approval in 2015 and the Amulet followed in 2021. After implantation, patients take short-term antithrombotic therapy until the device is covered by tissue. Device-related thrombus and leaks around the device are checked with follow-up imaging. Also called left atrial appendage closure (LAAC).
Related abbreviations
More cardiology abbreviations
- IVCD – Intraventricular conduction delay
- IVUS – Intravascular ultrasound
- JVD – Jugular venous distension
- JVP – Jugular venous pressure
- LA – Left atrium
- LAA – Left atrial appendage
- LAD – Left anterior descending artery
- LAE – Left atrial enlargement
- LAFB – Left anterior fascicular block
- LBBB – Left bundle branch block
- LCx – Left circumflex artery
- LHC – Left heart catheterization
See all 229 cardiology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.