MJA Podcasts 2026 Episode 1: Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion or LAAO Therapy

Today we are exploring Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion or LAAO Therapy.

We explore the clinical rationale, patient selection, referral pathways and key considerations for LAAO. and aim to understand the therapy as an option for patients who are unsuitable for long term anticoagulation therapy.

This is a sponsored podcast.

A/Prof Pankaj Jain is an academic interventional cardiologist with appointments at Royal Prince Alfred, Concord, and Macquarie University Hospitals. He is a Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney, and Conjoint Senior Lecturer at the University of New South Wales. His interests include complex coronary and structural heart interventions, and mechanical support devices for heart failure.

Dr Ata Doost is an Interventional Cardiologist. He completed his training at various hospitals throughout Australia and undertook his speciality fellowship training at Kings College Hospital in London   He has appointments at Macquarie University Hospital and National Capital Private & Calvary Bruce Hospitals in Canberra and is a Senior Clinical lecturer at Macquarie University Medical School. Dr Doost has performed thousands of cardiac catheterisations and has extensive experience in structural heart procedures. He specialises in coronary interventions, advanced imaging, and valve therapies including TAVI and MitraClip.