Devices and methods for ligating anatomical structures are provided herein. In particular, the devices and methods provided herein can be used to ligate the left atrial appendage. The ligating devices (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) comprise a ligating element (30, 130, 230, 330, 430) and a control element (40, 140, 240, 340, 430) which controls the opening of the ligating element in a loop or lariat shape. Some embodiments comprise also a positioning element (50, 150) which help position the ligating element. In some embodiments a conduit (250) is provided for deploying the ligating element by inflating control.