University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust has become one of 30 cardiac centres across the UK to join a pioneering national heart surgery research trial. The study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and named the AFFECT trial, is led by researchers at The James Cook University Hospital in Teeside.
The trial's primary objective is to identify the safest and most effective blood-thinning treatment for patients who have undergone heart valve surgery and also have a heart rhythm problem. Annually, thousands of individuals in the UK undergo surgery for mitral regurgitation, a condition where the mitral valve does not close properly, causing blood to flow backwards. This condition necessitates the heart working harder, potentially leading to fatigue, breathlessness, and heart failure.
For patients with both mitral regurgitation and a heart rhythm issue, blood-thinning medication is typically prescribed to mitigate the risk of stroke or other complications. Current guidelines often recommend Vitamin K Antagonists (VKAs) like warfarin, although newer Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) are also in widespread use. The AFFECT trial seeks to provide evidence on which of these treatments offers superior long-term outcomes.
Mr Clinton Lloyd, Cardiac Consultant and principal investigator for the trial at the Plymouth site, expressed enthusiasm for the hospital's involvement. "We are delighted to be participating in the AFFECT trial," he stated. "Being able to support this important research locally in Plymouth will help us to compare newer direct oral anticoagulants with established treatments such as warfarin, helping to determine which approaches offer the best long-term outcomes and informing future standards of care for patients."
Professor Enoch Akowuah, chief investigator for the AFFECT trial at University Hospitals Tees, highlighted the significance of the research. "This is an important question for both patients and clinicians," he commented. "We know anticoagulation is essential for patients with atrial fibrillation after mitral valve repair, but we do not yet know which treatment offers the best balance of safety and protection. The AFFECT Trial will provide high-quality evidence to guide national treatment decisions and improve long-term outcomes for patients across the UK and internationally."
