Stitch vs plug: new heart hole closure device tested to stop strokes
NCT ID NCT04339699
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests a new device that uses stitches to close a small hole in the heart (called PFO) in people who have had a stroke. It compares the stitch method to a standard metal plug device. About 640 adults aged 18-60 with a PFO and a recent stroke will be enrolled. The goal is to see which method closes the hole better and prevents future strokes.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- NobleStitch EL suture-mediated closure system (a device that stitches the hole closed) compared to Amplatzer PFO Occluder (a metal implant that plugs the hole)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could offer a metal-free alternative for closing a common heart hole, potentially reducing the risk of future strokes without leaving a permanent implant.
- What could go wrong
- This is a mid-stage study with 640 people, so results are not final. The new stitch method may not close the hole as effectively as the standard device, or could have different risks like bleeding or incomplete closure.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 640 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2021
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 60 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Provision of signed and dated informed consent form * Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study * Male or female ages 18 - 60 years old * A PFO and a Cryptogenic Stroke verified by a neurologist * Stroke is defined as an acute focal neurological deficit, presumed to be due to focal ischemia, and either: * Symptoms persisting ≥24 hours, or * Symptoms persisting \<24 hours with Magnetic Resonance or CT findings of a new, neuroanatomical relevant infarct * Cryptogenic stroke was defined as a stroke of unknown cause * Prolonged cardiac rhythm monitoring (recommended 30 days and not less than 24 hours required) * Intra and extracranial artery imaging: Magnetic Resonance Angiography, CT angiography, or contrast angiography, or contrast angiography or echocardiography of the carotid arteries to rule out ischemic stroke associated with atherosclerotic plaque, arterial dissection, or other vascular diseases. (The aortic arch may also be evaluated by TEE). * Hypercoagulable state assessment to rule out an underlying hypercoagulable state Exclusion Criteria: * Female participant who is pregnant, lactating or planning a pregnancy during the course of the study * Age \<18 or \> 60 years of age * Previous myocardial infarction or unstable angina within 6 months * Clinically significant mitral or aortic valve stenosis or severe regurgitation * Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction \<50 percent * Progressive neurological dysfunction or reduced life expectancy * Contrast allergy * Atrial Septal Defect (baseline left to right shunt assessed by TEE or other congenital heart diseases * Active Endocarditis * Perspective participants with known causes of Ischemic Stroke * Arterial dissection * Contraindicated or unsuitable for antiplatelet agents or oral anticoagulants * Perspective participants with prosthetic heart valves * Uncontrolled diabetes Mellitus * Pulmonary hypertension * Uncontrolled systemic hypertension * Intracranial pathology * Neurological deficits not due to stroke that may affect neurologic assessments * Active autoimmune disease * Active infection * Alcohol and/or drug abuse * A requirement for chronic anticoagulation therapy that cannot be discontinued * Anatomic features (inability to achieve vascular access)
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
2 sites in 2 countries. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Ospedale S. Eugenio
RECRUITINGRome, Lazio, 00144, Italy
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TMC HealthCare
RECRUITINGTucson, Arizona, 85712, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- After a stroke, does the heart inflame? MRI study probes the link
- Natural capsule tested as Add-On for stroke recovery
- Can a drug infused into brain arteries protect stroke patients during clot removal?
- Can a Clot-Busting drug help stroke patients treated later?
- Can computer training rewire the brain to restore sight after stroke?