One procedure to replace lifelong blood thinners? new trial tests dual heart fix for stroke survivors

This study tests whether a single procedure that combines two heart treatments—pulmonary vein isolation (to correct irregular heartbeat) and left atrial appendage occlusion (to block a clot-prone area)—can prevent future strokes and major bleeding better than standard blood thinners. The trial enrolls 240 adults who recently had a stroke and have atrial fibrillation. Participants are randomly assigned to the combined procedure, the occlusion procedure alone, or continued medication. The goal is to see if the combined approach is at least as effective as medication, with fewer bleeding risks.