Left atrial appendage closure (also known as LAA closure or LAAC) is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to reduce the risk of stroke that comes with atrial fibrillation (also known as Afib or AF.) Atrial fibrillation is a common form of arrhythmia, a condition in which the heart beats out of rhythm. By itself, Afib is usually not life-threatening and can often be successfully managed. For many people, the most dangerous aspect of Afib is its link to stroke. During an Afib episode, blood can collect inside the small portion of the heart known as the left atrial appendage (LAA). If a blood clot forms and then escapes from the LAA, it can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. This is why most people who have Afib take blood-thinning medications that prevent blood clots. For patients who have trouble on these medications, left atrial appendage closure procedures are a newer treatment option that prevents blood (and blood clots) from traveling into and out of the LAA. This SecondsCount center provides information about the different types of LAAC procedures, including which people they are best suited to help and the benefits and risks of each.