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.
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.
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
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Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron
Barcelona, Spain
-
Rigshospitalet
Copenhagen, Denmark
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Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Gothenburg, Sweden
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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