Which blood thinner works best after heart device implant? new trial aims to find out

NCT ID NCT03568890

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Quebec Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study compares two approaches—short-term anticoagulation (stronger blood thinners) versus antiplatelet therapy (milder blood thinners)—to prevent clots on a device placed in the heart's left atrial appendage. The trial involves 510 adults who have had this procedure. The goal is to see which strategy better reduces device thrombosis, stroke, and bleeding over 60 days.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Blood thinners (rivaroxaban, dabigatran, apixaban, edoxaban, clopidogrel, or low-dose aspirin)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could show that short-term blood thinners are better at preventing dangerous clots on the device after a heart procedure, reducing stroke risk.
What could go wrong: This is a phase 4 trial, so the drugs are already approved, but the best strategy for this specific use is still unknown. Results may not apply to all patients or devices.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

atrial fibrillation Hemorrhage hemorrhagic disease stroke disorder thrombotic disease transient ischemic attack

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BLEEDING LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE CLOSURE STROKE THROMBOSIS TIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Josep Rodes-Cabau

Québec, Quebec, G1V 4G5, Canada

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