at The James Cook University Hospital are leading a national heart surgery involving more than 30 centres across the UK.
The Middlesbrough hospital’s Academic Cardiovascular Unit is heading the AFFECT trial, a National Institute for Health and Care -funded study examining blood-thinning after mitral valve repair surgery.
People who have mitral valve surgery and also have a heart rhythm problem may need anticoagulant medication to reduce the risk of stroke and other complications. The study is comparing established vitamin K antagonist treatment, such as warfarin, with newer direct oral anticoagulants.
The research aims to recruit 1,282 adults undergoing mitral valve repair at cardiothoracic centres around the country. Participants are one of the two treatment approaches and monitored for at least 12 months, with further annual follow-up for up to four years.
Researchers will examine stroke , quality of life and cost-effectiveness. University Hospitals Tees reported in June that more than 130 patients had already joined the study and started treatment.
The trial is being led by Professor Enoch Akowuah at University Hospitals Tees and is designed to provide that could influence future treatment decisions well beyond Teesside.
More information is available from University Hospitals Tees.