New blood thinner may simplify stroke prevention after heart surgery
NCT ID NCT03702582
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a newer blood thinner, rivaroxaban (Xarelto), is as safe and effective as the older drug warfarin for preventing strokes in people who develop atrial fibrillation after heart surgery. About 100 adults who had open-heart surgery and then experienced a new irregular heartbeat were randomly assigned to receive either rivaroxaban or warfarin. The main goal was to see if rivaroxaban could shorten hospital stays while still preventing strokes and avoiding major bleeding.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) and warfarin (Coumadin)
- What this could lead to
- If rivaroxaban works as well as warfarin, it could offer a simpler, more convenient option for preventing strokes after heart surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed trial with only 100 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Both drugs carry a risk of serious bleeding.
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
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
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