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This aMAZE Trial is evaluating an innovative treatment uses a device called the LARIAT to close off the heart’s left atrial appendage -- or LAA.
The LARIAT uses a lasso-like stitch to tie off the LAA -- a muscular pouch connected to the left atrium of the heart that is the major source of blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation that can lead to a stroke. The trial will evaluate whether the combination of the two treatment approaches may treat persistent AFib more effectively than catheter abolition alone.
“We are pleased to be one of the first sites in the U.S. to enroll patients in the aMAZE Trial,” said Dan Musat, M.D., principal investigator for the aMAZE Trial at Valley. “We are optimistic that we will be able to show that combining the two approaches is an effective option for patients with persistent AFib.”
AFib is an irregular heartbeat, a rapid heartbeat, or a quivering of the upper chambers of the heart, called the atria, due to a malfunction in the heart's electrical system. It is the most common heart rhythm disorder in the United States, affecting more than 5 million people.
“This is a potential milestone in the treatment of atrial fibrillation” said Suneet Mittal, M.D., Director of Electrophysiology at Valley. “AFib is a life-changing disorder that causes devastating consequences, including stroke and congestive heart failure."
The aMAZE trial is a rigorously designed study to validate the mechanical and electrical isolation benefits of the LARIAT device. The study is comprised of two stages. The overall study plan is to enroll a maximum of 600 persistent or longstanding persistent AFib patients who are candidates for catheter ablation at up to 50 centers. The first stage of the aMAZE Trial, underway now, will enroll up to 175 patients at 15 centers.
For more information about this trial and others taking place at The Valley Hospital, please visit Valley’s Cardiac Clinical Trials website or call 201-447-8453.
