LEFT ATRIUM Appandage Occluder Register - Germany (LAARGE)

ARE STROKES AVOIDABLE?

During its final 2013 meeting, the Board of Stiftung IHF has decided to fund and scientifically support an independent LAARGE Registry. The left atrial appendage can be occluded using a so-called LAA occluder. The left atrial appendage may be considered as sort of an “appendix” to the heart.

In patients with atrial fibrillation – which affects about 1 million people in Germany alone – blood clots may form in the heart and trigger a stroke when migrating to the brain. Normally, patients with a high stroke risk will receive blood-thinning agents such as Marcumar. LAA occluder implant is an alternative for all those who cannot use anticoagulants such as Marcumar.

With the registry and data from as many patients as possible, the foundation will document which patients are particularly eligible for this new therapy and how safe the use of an LAA occluder is. First results are expected to be available in 2015.