Atrial fibrillation is a condition that affects the rhythm of the heart. Instead of beating regularly, the heart beats unevenly, which can cause blood to collect in certain areas. This increases the risk of blood clots, which can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
To prevent this, doctors often prescribe blood-thinning medications. These drugs are effective, but they are not always the best choice for every patient. Some people cannot take them safely because of the risk of bleeding. Others may struggle with the cost or forget to take them regularly.
Because of these challenges, doctors have developed a different approach. A small device can be placed inside the heart to block the area where clots usually form. This area is called the left atrial appendage, a small pouch in the heart.
The device works like a plug. Once it is in place, it seals off the pouch so blood cannot collect there. This reduces the risk of clot formation and stroke.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine have been studying how these devices perform in everyday clinical use. Their work, reported in journals such as Cardiovascular Revascularization Medicine and JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions, shows that these devices can be a safe and effective option.
One part of the research focused on medications after the device is implanted. Traditionally, patients take two types of blood thinners to prevent clots around the device. However, the study found that using only one medication may be enough. Patients on a single drug had fewer bleeding problems without an increase in clot risk.
Another part of the research looked at how doctors guide the device during placement. The traditional method uses a probe placed in the throat, which requires anesthesia. A newer method uses a small tube inserted into a vein to create images from inside the heart.
The findings showed that both methods work equally well. The newer method is less invasive, which may make the procedure easier for patients.
However, not all patients can benefit from current devices. Because the devices are round, they do not always fit well in the heart’s natural shape. This can lead to leaks or incomplete closure.
To address this issue, a new device called Parasol is being developed. It is designed to fit better and reduce the risk of complications. It may also be more affordable, which could help more patients access this treatment.
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Source: University of Chicago Medicine.
