Plain-English translation of NCT04475510 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
Young patients who have had a small heart hole (called a patent foramen ovale or PFO) closed with a minimally invasive procedure typically take blood-thinning medications to prevent future strokes. This trial is testing whether patients can safely stop taking these blood thinners after just one year, rather than continuing them for life. The study wants to see if stopping the medication earlier might reduce the risk of serious bleeding while still preventing strokes.
While blood-thinning medications help prevent strokes after heart hole closure, they also carry a risk of serious bleeding that can increase over time. Recent evidence suggests that young, otherwise healthy patients may not need to take this medication for life, and stopping it sooner could reduce bleeding risks without increasing stroke risk.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
If you join this study, you will take blood-thinning medication for 12 months after your PFO closure surgery (which may already be planned). At the 12-month mark, you will have a clinic visit and brain imaging (MRI), and then stop taking the medication. You will return for another clinic visit and MRI at 24 months to make sure everything is going well. The study will check that you have not had any strokes and will monitor for any bleeding problems.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 7, 2026 · Not medical advice
Canada
Sponsor
Josep Rodes-Cabau
Enrollment target
~100 participants
Started
July 2020
Primary completion
June 2026
This trial's estimated completion date has passed — the record may not be fully up to date.
Age range
18 Years – 60 Years
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in March 2026.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Josep Rodes-Cabau, MD
Josep Rodes-Cabau
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.