Extra Heart CT Scan to Look for Clots in People With Atrial Fibrillation
Tests an added heart CT scan for clots in people with atrial fibrillation.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Exclusion of Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus in Emergency Department Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing CT to Assess for Pulmonary Embolus: A Feasibility Study
Key facts
- Where
- Manhasset, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- North Shore University HospitalManhasset, United StatesNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Northwell Health
- Trial code
- NCT07647939
- Record updated
- 26 October 2026
- Original description
This study aims to investigate whether a quick, additional CT scan of the heart, performed immediately after a standard CT scan for pulmonary embolism, can effectively detect blood clots in the left atrial appendage (LAA) in patients with atrial fibrillation. Detecting these clots is crucial before certain heart procedures to prevent stroke. Currently, a different, more involved procedure (Transesophageal Echocardiography - TEE) is often used. This study will assess if this additional CT scan is feasible, meaning if it can provide clear enough images to identify LAA clots without needing more contrast dye. The study will involve 60 patients, half receiving an "ungated" CT scan and the other half a "gated" CT scan (timed with their heart rhythm). The results of these scans will not be used for immediate patient care during the study, but rather to evaluate the CT scan technique itself. There is no direct benefit to participants, but the information gained could lead to faster diagnosis and reduced unnecessary testing for future patients.Read full original descriptionShow less
Exclusion of Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus in Emergency Department Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing CT to Assess for Pulmonary Embolus: A Feasibility Study
This study aims to investigate whether a quick, additional CT scan of the heart, performed immediately after a standard CT scan for pulmonary embolism, can effectively detect blood clots in the left atrial appendage (LAA) in patients with atrial fibrillation. Detecting these clots is crucial before certain heart procedures to prevent stroke. Currently, a different, more involved procedure (Transesophageal Echocardiography - TEE) is often used. This study will assess if this additional CT scan is feasible, meaning if it can provide clear enough images to identify LAA clots without needing more contrast dye. The study will involve 60 patients, half receiving an "ungated" CT scan and the other half a "gated" CT scan (timed with their heart rhythm). The results of these scans will not be used for immediate patient care during the study, but rather to evaluate the CT scan technique itself. There is no direct benefit to participants, but the information gained could lead to faster diagnosis and reduced unnecessary testing for future patients.
Inclusion: Patients above 18 years of age years deemed candidates for CT angiography for pulmonary embolism by the primary team on clinical grounds and noted to be in atrial fibrillation at the time; Room air oxygen saturation above 92%; Systolic blood pressure above 100 mm Hg; Respiratory rate less than 24 breaths/min.
Exclusion: Stroke like symptoms; Heart rate <40 or > 120 bpm (inclusive) or 3rd degree heart block; Inability to personally give informed consent; Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals; ECG criteria for ischemia or infarction; Unable to lie flat for at least 10 minutes; Unable to follow simple commands; Northwell Health Employees; Non-English-speaking patients.