Evaluating a procedure to prevent strokes in older adults with atrial fibrillation and frailty
Official title: Utilization and Clinical Outcomes of Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion in Older Adults with Atrial Fibrillation and Frailty
Funded at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged · NIH-11117142 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a procedure called left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) can help prevent strokes in older adults with atrial fibrillation who can't safely take blood thinners, to see if it's a good and safe option for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $650,478 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL175560-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117142 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who have atrial fibrillation and exhibit signs of frailty.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or those who do not have atrial fibrillation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) as a method to prevent strokes in older adults who have atrial fibrillation and are considered frail. Many older adults are unable to take traditional blood thinners due to the risk of bleeding, making LAAO a potential alternative. The study aims to assess how effective and safe LAAO is compared to other treatment options for this vulnerable population. By analyzing patient outcomes, the research seeks to fill the gap in knowledge regarding the benefits of LAAO for those who are frail or ineligible for anticoagulants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer stroke prevention option for older adults with atrial fibrillation who cannot use traditional blood thinners.
How similar studies have gone: While LAAO has been studied in other populations, this specific focus on frail older adults is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ko, Darae — Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged
- Study coordinator: Ko, Darae
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Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion in Older Adults with Atrial Fibrillation and Frailty
This study looks at how often a heart procedure called left atrial appendage occlusion is used and what outcomes occur in older adults with atrial fibrillation and frailty.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.