Heart plug may help AF patients with stomach bleeding avoid blood thinners

NCT ID NCT06052358

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at using the WATCHMAN FLX device, a small plug placed in the heart, to prevent strokes in people with atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) who also had serious gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. The device is meant to close off a part of the heart where clots often form, so patients might not need long-term blood thinners that can cause bleeding. The study planned to compare 250 patients who got the device to 250 similar patients who did not, but it was stopped early and enrolled only 73 people.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

WATCHMAN FLX device

What this could lead to

If successful, this could offer a way to manage stroke risk in atrial fibrillation patients who have had serious GI bleeding, potentially reducing the need for blood thinners.

What could go wrong

This is a small, non-randomized registry that was terminated early, so results may be limited. The device itself carries risks like blood clots or leaks, and it may not fully prevent bleeding or stroke.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

atrial fibrillation Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute - Roe Clinic

    Overland Park, Kansas, 66211, United States

  • Overland Park Regional Medical Center

    Overland Park, Kansas, 66215, United States

  • Research Medical Center

    Kansas City, Missouri, 64032, United States

  • Research Medical Center Clinic

    Kansas City, Missouri, 64032, United States