Advancing Cardiovascular Care at CVISD
We are proud to share that Dr. Mehran Moussavian, CEO of the Cardiovascular Institute of San Diego, was included as an author in this international clinical trial. His involvement reflects CVISD’s ongoing commitment to advancing cardiovascular care through innovation and research.
A New Option for Atrial Fibrillation Patients
Atrial fibrillation, often referred to as AFib, is a common heart rhythm condition that affects how the heart beats. Instead of a steady rhythm, the heart can beat irregularly, which can cause blood to pool and increase the risk of clot formation. If a clot travels to the brain, it can lead to a stroke.
Because of this risk, many patients with atrial fibrillation are treated with blood thinners. These medications help reduce the likelihood of clot formation and are a standard part of care for stroke prevention.
However, while effective, blood thinners can also increase the risk of bleeding, especially with long term use. For some patients, this balance between preventing clots and managing bleeding risk becomes an important consideration.
A Different Approach
A different approach focuses on the source of most stroke causing clots in atrial fibrillation. A small implantable device can be used to close a part of the heart called the left atrial appendage, where clots are most likely to form.
What the Research Shows
A large international clinical trial involving over 3,000 patients compared this device-based approach to standard blood thinner therapy.
The study found that this approach provided similar protection against stroke and cardiovascular events, while significantly reducing the risk of bleeding.
What This Means for Patients
For patients with atrial fibrillation, this research highlights another potential option for reducing stroke risk. Treatment decisions are highly individualized, and not every approach is right for every patient.
If you have atrial fibrillation, speak with one of our specialists to better understand your options and whether this approach may be right for you.
🔗 Read the full study:
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2517213
For more information about this innovative procedure, please reach out to us!
📞 (619) 616-2100
