Heart surgery tweak could slash stroke risk in millions

NCT ID NCT03724318

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether closing the left atrial appendage—a small sac in the heart where blood clots often form—during planned heart surgery can prevent strokes in people with atrial fibrillation. About 1500 patients having coronary bypass or valve surgery are included. The goal is to provide clear evidence for or against routinely closing this sac to reduce stroke risk.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

closure of the left atrium appendage (a surgical procedure)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could establish a standard surgical step to prevent strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing heart surgery.

What could go wrong

This is a follow-up study, but results are not yet final. The procedure may not reduce strokes significantly, and there are always surgical risks like bleeding or infection.

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 stroke disorder ischemic stroke prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Aarhus University Hospital Skejby

    Aarhus, Denmark

  • Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron

    Barcelona, Spain

  • Rigshospitalet

    Copenhagen, Denmark

  • Sahlgrenska University Hospital

    Gothenburg, Sweden