Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Versus Novel Oral Anticoagulation for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF AARHUS · Aug 21, 2018

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a procedure called left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) to see if it can help prevent strokes in people with atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition that causes an irregular heartbeat and increases the risk of stroke significantly. The trial will compare LAAO to a new type of blood-thinning medication known as novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in patients who have previously experienced a stroke or a mini-stroke (called a transient ischemic attack or TIA). This research is important because while LAAO has been shown to be better than an older blood thinner called warfarin, we don't yet know how it stacks up against these newer medications.

To participate in the trial, you need to be at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. You should also have had a stroke or TIA within the last six months. Participants can expect to be closely monitored throughout the study to assess the effectiveness of LAAO in preventing further strokes and other serious health issues. It's important to know that some individuals may not be eligible, including those with certain kidney problems or serious illnesses. If you or someone you know fits the criteria and is interested in learning more, this might be a great opportunity to contribute to important research on stroke prevention.

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ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age ≥ 18 years
• • documented non-valvular atrial fibrillation (paroxysmal, persistent or permanent)
• • Eligible for long-term Novel Oral Anticoagulation (NOAC) therapy
• • Ischemic stroke within the recent 6 months verified by neuroimaging, or
• • Transient ischemic attack within 6 months with proven cerebral ischemia based on cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Modified rankin scale \> 3 at time of enrollment
• • Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) below 15 ml/min/1.73 m2
• • Contraindication towards long-term aspirin therapy
• • Planned combined cardiovascular interventional procedures at the time of enrollment
• • Terminal illness or cancer with life expectancy less than 2 years.