Could a simple CT scan replace an invasive procedure to detect dangerous heart clots?

This study explores whether an additional CT scan of the heart, taken right after a standard scan for lung clots, can effectively detect blood clots in the left atrial appendage (LAA) in people with atrial fibrillation. Currently, detecting these clots requires a more involved procedure called transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The study will enroll 60 patients, half receiving an ungated CT and half a gated CT, to see how often the scans produce clear images. The results won't guide immediate treatment but could pave the way for faster, less invasive clot detection in the future.