The Left Atrial Appendage in Humans: Structure, Physiology, and Pathogenesis - Medscape

[CDreamer]

I thought many would be interested:- This is the Abstract

For many years, the left atrial appendage (LAA) was considered a dormant embryological remnant; however, it is a structurally complex and functional organ that contributes to cardiac haemodynamic changes and volume homeostasis through both its contractile properties and neurohormonal peptide secretion. When dysfunctional, the LAA contributes to thrombogenesis and subsequent increased predisposition to cardioembolic events. Consequently, the LAA has gained much attention as a therapeutic target to lower this risk. In addition, attention has focused on the LAA in its role as an electrical trigger for atrial tachycardia and atrial fibrillation with ablation of the LAA to achieve electrical isolation showing promising results in the maintenance of sinus rhythm. This in-depth review explores the structure, physiology and pathophysiology of the LAA, as well as LAA intervention and their sequelae.

Link: medscape.com/viewarticle/92...

[BobD Volunteer]

I think it was proabably four or five years ago that I started hearing doctors worrying about LAA ablation saying that medical science did not fully understand the function of the LAA and it was probably not a great idea. Never good to rush forward.

[CDreamer in reply to BobD]

It’s a very interesting article as it does start to explain the complexities of the structure and the implications of messing with it.

[LaceyLady]

Interesting, similar to the appendix, don’t know anything about it, must be a useless part 🙄

As humans have taken hundreds of years to evolve, it’s unlike that we have parts that are useless.

[CDreamer in reply to LaceyLady]

And that’s the point of the article - it was thought to be a useless part but it most definitely not!

[Tryfan]

Its funny how parts that were once thought as left overs, or of no import, now take on a different perspective. The Appendix is now understood to have an important contribution to ones gut biology. The only system that appears to serve little real function is Pilomotor reflex or Goose Bumps. The contraction of hair follicles has a use in hairy animals creating insulation. We humans in-spite of some hair-suit appearances or not hairy enough.