New study tests best way to prevent second stroke in seniors with a hole in the heart

NCT ID NCT07479147

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

Summary

This study looks at two ways to prevent another stroke in older adults who have a hole in the heart (PFO) and had a stroke from an unknown cause. One option is a procedure to close the hole, plus lifelong blood thinners. The other is taking blood thinners alone. Researchers will track which group has fewer repeat strokes or mini-strokes over several years. The study includes both new patients and data from past years.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

PFO closure device (Amplatzer occluder) and/or blood thinners (DOAC or antiplatelet)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show that PFO closure is a safe and effective option for preventing another stroke in older adults, potentially changing treatment guidelines.

What could go wrong

This is an observational study, not a randomized trial, so results may be less definitive. The study is still recruiting and won't finish until 2031. Risks include bleeding from blood thinners or complications from the closure procedure.

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.

intracranial embolism ischemic stroke patent foramen ovale stroke disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • National Taiwan University Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Taipei, 100, Taiwan

    Contact

  • Taichung Veterans General Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Taichung, 40705, Taiwan

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Taipei Veterans General Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Taipei, 100, Taiwan

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••