Comparing LAA closure and anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation patients after brain bleeding

Randomized Comparison of Interventional Closure of the Left Atrial Appendage Using a LAA Closure Device Versus Oral Anticoagulation Therapy in Patients With Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation and Status Post Intracranial Bleeding.

Not applicable Interventional Jena University Hospital · NCT04298723

This study is testing whether closing a part of the heart or using blood thinners is better for preventing strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation who have had a brain bleed.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment530 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorJena University Hospital Academic / other
Locations33 sites (Mannheim, Baden-Wurttemberg and 32 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04298723 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial compares two treatment options for patients with atrial fibrillation who have experienced an intracranial bleed. It evaluates the effectiveness of left atrial appendage (LAA) closure versus oral anticoagulation therapy in preventing strokes. The study involves a randomized approach, using already approved drugs and devices, to assess the safety and efficacy of these interventions. The goal is to generate data that could inform clinical guidelines for managing these high-risk patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with documented atrial fibrillation and a history of intracranial bleeding more than six weeks prior.

Not a fit: Patients with significant comorbidities requiring ongoing anticoagulation therapy or those with active infections or severe liver failure may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a safer treatment option that reduces the risk of bleeding while effectively preventing strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation.

How similar studies have performed: While there is existing evidence supporting both treatment approaches, this specific comparison in patients post-intracranial bleeding is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Signed written informed consent
* Documented atrial fibrillation (paroxysmal, persistent, long-standing persistent or permanent)
* CHA2DS2VASc-Score ≥2
* Status post intracranial bleeding \>6 weeks
* Favorable LAA anatomy
* Subject eligible for a LAA occluder device
* Age ≥18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Comorbidities other than AF requiring chronic (N)OAC therapy, e.g. mechanical heart valve prosthesis, hereditary thrombophilia requiring livelong OAC - recurrent thrombosis
* Symptomatic carotid disease (if not treated)
* Thrombus in the left atrium or left atrial appendage
* Active infection or active endocarditis or other infections resulting in bacteremia
* Functional Impairment (modified ranking scale ≥4 )
* Severe liver failure (Child-Pugh class C or liver failure with coagulopathy)
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Subject with participation in another interventional clinical trial during this study or within 30 days before entry into this trial.
* Known terminating disease with life expectancy \<1 year (including those with end-stage heart failure)
* Subjects, who are committed to an institution due to binding official or court order
* Subjects with planned cardiac or non-cardiac surgery or intervention. (These subjects can be included 30 days after intervention / surgery

Where this trial is running

Mannheim, Baden-Wurttemberg and 32 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Intracranial HemorrhagesAtrial FibrillationAtrial FlutterIntracranial HemorrhageIntracranial BleedingAnticoagulationLAA Occlusion
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.