Neuroprotection during left atrial appendage occlusion for atrial fibrillation patients

Cerebral Protection in Transcatheter Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Not applicable Interventional Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases · NCT05369195

This study is testing if using a protective treatment during a heart procedure can help prevent brain damage and improve mental health in patients with atrial fibrillation who can't take blood thinners.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment240 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSilesian Centre for Heart Diseases Academic / other
Locations6 sites (Katowice and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05369195 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the impact of neuroprotection during the transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAC) procedure in patients with atrial fibrillation. It aims to determine whether the use of neuroprotection can reduce the risk of perioperative silent brain ischemia and its associated cognitive impairment and depression. The study is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, and double-blind trial involving 240 patients who are at risk for stroke and cannot use anticoagulants. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving neuroprotection during LAAC and the other undergoing the procedure without it, with outcomes assessed through MRI and cognitive evaluations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with documented atrial fibrillation and a CHA2DS2VASc stroke risk score of 2 or higher who cannot use anticoagulants.

Not a fit: Patients with serious mental illnesses, a history of ischemic stroke, or significant atherosclerosis of the cephalic arteries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of silent brain ischemia and improve cognitive outcomes for patients undergoing LAAC.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of neuroprotection in this specific context is novel, similar approaches in other studies have shown promise in reducing stroke risk and improving cognitive outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18 Years and older
2. Subject able to provide signed informed consent.
3. Documented permanent, persistent, or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
4. CHA2DS2VASc risk of stroke ≥2
5. At least one of the following criteria:

   1. Contraindications to the use of anticoagulants,
   2. HSBLED bleeding risk ≥3

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Serious mental diseases, particularly: dementia syndrome of any etiology, schizophrenia,schizoaffective disorders, bipolar disorder
2. History of ischemic stroke
3. Chronic abuse of alcohol or any other psychoactive substances except for nicotine
4. long-term therapy with benzodiazepines
5. The use of antidepressants in 3 months prior inclusion.
6. Previous infections of the central nervous system, including neuroborreliosis
7. Parkinson's disease
8. Huntington's chorea
9. Creutzfeld-Jakob disease
10. Pick's disease
11. Significant atherosclerosis of the cephalic arteries (\> 70% LCCA or the brachiocephalic trunk)
12. Strictures, ectasias, dissection or aneurysms at the exit of the LCCA or the brachiocephalic trunk from the aorta and up to 3 cm above
13. Advancement of vascular changes in DW MRI of the head, grade 3 on the Fazekas scale
14. Presence of a thrombus or tumours of a different nature in the left atrium or its ear
15. Presence of a thrombus in the left ventricle
16. Left atrial appendage anatomy preventing the use of occluders to close the left atrium appendage
17. The presence of mechanical heart valve prostheses
18. The state after the operative closure of the defect in the atrial septum
19. Condition after closing the defect in the interatrial septum with the use of occluders
20. Active infective endocarditis
21. Presence of devices and prostheses that prevent the performance of MRI (pacemakers, clips in the CNS)
22. Status after oesophagal surgery
23. Esophageal diverticula
24. Esophageal varices\> grade 3
25. Allergic to contrast agents
26. A contraindication to use antiplatelet drugs
27. Diagnosis of neoplastic disease with estimated survival beyond 1 year
28. Clininally evident hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
29. Klaustrofobia
30. Pregnancy
31. AIDS
32. Participation in other drug research studies
33. The presence of circumstances or any medical condition the Investigator considers problematic for subject inclusion, or test results that may couse problems to provide reliable, acurate to interpretation results

Where this trial is running

Katowice and 5 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 Atrial FibrillationSilent StrokeCognitive ImpairmentDepressioncerebral protectionleft atrial appendage occlusionatrial fibrillationsilent brain ischemia
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.