The Fourth Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Study

Overview

About this study

The purpose of this study is to determine if catheter-based endovascular left atrial appendage occlusion prevents ischemic stroke or systemic embolism in participants with atrial fibrillation, who remain at high risk of stroke, despite receiving ongoing treatment with oral anticoagulation.

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. (a) Persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation OR (b) Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in participants with a history of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism
2. Increased risk of stroke, defined as a CHA2DS2-VASc stroke risk score of ≥ 4. [Note: the acronym CHA2DS2-VASc stands for congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 (doubled), diabetes, stroke (doubled), vascular disease, age 65 to 74 and sex category (female).]
3. Treatment with oral anticoagulants (Vitamin K agonist or factor Xa inhibitor) for at least 90 days prior to enrollment, AND no documented plan to discontinue treatment with oral anticoagulants for the expected duration of the trial.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Age < 18 years
2. Current left atrial appendage thrombus
3. Prior left atrial appendage occlusion or removal (surgical or percutaneous)
4. Prior percutaneous atrial septal defect or patent foramen ovale closure
5. Prior atrial fibrillation ablation unless evidence of recurrent qualifying atrial fibrillation present at least 30 days following ablation
6. Planned atrial fibrillation ablation within 90 days of enrollment
7. Individuals being treated with direct thrombin inhibitors
8. Women of childbearing potential unless they agree to employ effective birth control methods throughout the study
9. Anticipated life-expectancy of < 2 years 10. Patient unable or willing to give informed consent

Note: Other protocol defined Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria may apply.

Eligibility last updated 5/22/2024. Questions regarding updates should be directed to the study team contact.

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location Status Contact

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Eugene Scharf, M.D.

Contact us for the latest status

Contact information:

Jacqueline Anderson

(507) 266-7742

Moeller.Jacqueline@mayo.edu

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available