Emory Schley: Getting down to the nitty-gritty Ocala Star-Banner A few readers have inquired about the cardiac procedure I underwent recently, so I will attempt, as best I can, to explain. This will be with the understanding between us that I am no expert in these matters. My greatest talent usually lies in the domain of asking stupid questions, rather than giving complex explanations. But, here goes: The human heart is composed of several compartments, and one of those is called the left atrial appendage. That, so I’ve read, is where blood clots can form in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients and those clots can trigger strokes or heart attacks.