Blood thinners may dissolve clots on replacement heart valves, study hopes

NCT ID NCT02318342

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study will use advanced imaging to check for blood clots or other problems in 3000 people with artificial aortic heart valves. Those found to have clots will receive the blood thinner warfarin for three months, then be re-imaged to see if the clots have resolved. The goal is to determine if anticoagulation can effectively treat early valve dysfunction without the need for another surgery.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
Warfarin (also known as Coumadin)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could confirm that warfarin effectively dissolves early blood clots on artificial heart valves, improving valve function without surgery.
What could go wrong
This is an observational study with a treatment component, not a randomized controlled trial. Warfarin carries a risk of bleeding, and the study may not prove long-term benefits.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

    RECRUITING

    Los Angeles, California, 90048, United States