Key to Cut Stroke Risk: Simple Keyhole Heart Op

Patients can now undergo a simple operation to avoid heart stroke, instead of taking blood-thinning medication for an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation, say researchers.

The new keyhole surgery technique covers a "pocket" in the heart to prevent life-threatening blood clots from forming and entering the bloodstream.

Atrial Fibrillation is a High Risk for Stroke
A simple pulse check-up can indicate the presence of atrial fibrillation which may help prevent an impending stroke.

An umbrella-like device known as the Watchman is implanted into the heart in the surgery, offered in a major London hospital.

"Atrial fibrillation is one of the main, preventable causes of stroke," Timesonline quoted Prapa Kanagarathnam, consultant cardiologist at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, part of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, as saying.

He added: "But many patients and doctors are unhappy with blood-thinning medication such as warfarin because of the risk of dangerous bleeding and the need for regular blood tests.

Recommendations to Improve Management of Atrial Fibrillation Issued
The AF Stat: Call to Action for Atrial Fibrillation to serve as a roadmap for reducing the burden of atrial fibrillation (AFib) in the United States was today released

"With this new device, patients can stop taking warfarin approximately two months after the procedure."

Also, a study published in The Lancet, assessed 700 heart patients over five years.

Atrial Fibrillation Ablated Using Visually-Guided Laser Balloon Catheter
The first U.S. doctors to ablate atrial fibrillation (AFib) using a visually-guided laser balloon catheter are a pair of Indian-origin physicians at The Mount Sinai Medical Center

Even in this study it was found that the 2.5cm-diameter Watchman, designed to cover the appendage in the heart, prevented strokes and was effective as replacement for warfarin.

Kanagarathnam said: "The new procedure is minimally invasive, involving a small cut in the groin."

Risks and Benefits of Warfarin Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation
A new study by Kaiser Permanente and Massachusetts General Hospital researchers reveals that Warfarin therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation is most beneficial for the oldest patients

Jeremy Pearson, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, added: "This may be a valuable option for people who are unable to take warfarin long-term."

Source-ANI
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