News & Events: Latest News - Story

New medical technology for stroke prevention on trial

26 September 2011

Greenslopes Private Hospital is the third site in Australia and one of seven sites around the world including New Zealand, France, Germany and Czech Republic to evaluate a new breakthrough medical technology for stroke prevention for patients with a heart rhythm condition called atrial fibrillation.

The Clinical Trial for the medical company Coherex will evaluate whether a new device, known as the "WaveCrest", designed to close off a blind ending pocket within the heart (called the left atrial appendage) will successfully prevent blood clot formation that can lead to stroke.

Two patients underwent the new experimental plug implant into their hearts today at Greenslopes Private Hospital. The procedure is performed using an intravascular approach through the groin and will require an overnight hospital stay only.

The procedure was performed by Cardiologist & Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Dr Karen Phillips who is an expert in the management of atrial fibrillation. A team of Specialists from the USA were on hand to oversee the commencement of the clinical trial.

Dr Phillips is currently the lead implanter in Australia of a different design heart plug called the "Watchman" which has already been shown to reduce strokes.

Until recently the only treatment shown to effectively prevent blood clot formation and strokes for patients with atrial fibrillation was life-long strong blood-thinner medications which may be cumbersome to take and associated with bleeding complications.

Patients with atrial fibrillation who may be interested in being involved in the clinical trial should contact the research nurse for Dr Karen Phillips on 3394 3100.