Left atrial appendage (LAA)

The left atrial appendage is a small, ear-shaped pouch of muscular tissue projecting from the main body of the left atrium of the heart[1][2][3]. It functions as a decompression chamber and plays a role in the regulation of blood volume by releasing natriuretic peptides when stretched[1]. In atrial fibrillation, it is the primary site for thrombus formation, leading to increased risk of stroke[2]. Devices or procedures to occlude or remove the LAA can reduce stroke risk in certain patients but may transiently affect circulating peptide levels[1]. The LAA is an anatomical structure, not a molecular therapeutic target, receptor, or enzyme[1][3], and is considered for procedural intervention rather than pharmacologic targeting.

Other names

Left auricle