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Standard Care Beats Heart Procedure for High-Risk AFib Patients

New research shows standard medical care outperforms left atrial appendage closure for high-risk atrial fibrillation patients in preventing stroke and bleeding complications.

This research has immediate implications for millions of atrial fibrillation patients and their healthcare providers, particularly older individuals with elevated stroke and bleeding risks. The findings challenge the assumption that newer, more invasive procedures are always superior to established medical treatments, potentially saving patients from unnecessary procedures and healthcare systems from costly interventions. For patients weighing treatment options, this study provides crucial evidence that standard care including blood thinners remains the safer choice for their specific risk profile, while also highlighting the importance of individualized treatment decisions based on comprehensive risk assessment rather than procedural novelty alone.