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.
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
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National Taiwan University Hospital
RECRUITINGTaipei, 100, Taiwan
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Taichung Veterans General Hospital
RECRUITINGTaichung, 40705, Taiwan
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Taipei Veterans General Hospital
RECRUITINGTaipei, 100, Taiwan
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