Investigating a device to prevent strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation
Safety and Effectiveness of Left Atrial Appendage Closure in Atrial Fibrillation (SAFELY-AF)
This study is looking at how safe and effective a procedure called left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is for people with atrial fibrillation (AF) who are at risk for stroke, especially for those who can't take blood thinners, to help improve their care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10431910 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on the safety and effectiveness of a procedure called left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition that increases the risk of stroke. Many patients who need anticoagulation therapy do not receive it, and LAAO offers a device-based alternative to reduce stroke risk. The study will analyze data from a large national registry to understand how well LAAO works in real-world settings and to fill gaps in existing knowledge about its use. By collaborating with Boston Scientific and the American College of Cardiology, the research aims to provide insights that could improve patient care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation who are at risk for stroke and may not be suitable for traditional anticoagulation therapy.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have atrial fibrillation or those who are already effectively managed with anticoagulant therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective option for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation who cannot or do not want to take anticoagulants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the effectiveness of LAAO, indicating that this research is crucial for clarifying its real-world impact.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Freeman, James — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Freeman, James
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 below.