A simple surgery saves patients with heart arrhythmia from often-lethal strokes, says a large international study led by McMaster University.
Researchers found that removing the left atrial appendage – an unused, finger-like tissue that can trap blood in the heart chamber and increase the risk of clots – cuts the risk of strokes by more than one-third in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Even better, the reduced clotting risk comes on top of any other benefits conferred by blood-thinner medications patients with this condition are usually prescribed. [Read more…] about Simple surgery prevents strokes in heart patients
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