RecruitingPhase IIInterventional

Assessing the appropriate duration of treatment for patients diagnosed with a blood clot in the their left heart chamber

After a heart attack, a blood clot can form in the main pumping chamber of the heart. These clots can be dangerous if they move to other parts of the body, potentially causing a stroke. Blood-thinning medicines are given to treat these clots. However, we don't currently know the ideal length of time people should take these medicines, especially if the clot doesn't completely disappear. Long-term use of blood thinners can also increase the risk of bleeding. This study aims to find out if continuing blood-thinning medicine for longer than the usual 3-6 months is helpful for people whose heart clot hasn't gone away or whose heart muscle is still weak. This will help doctors decide the best treatment plan for future patients.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Phase II

Sponsor

Queen Mary University of London

Enrolment target

120

Start

01 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2027

Left ventricle thrombus based on aetiology- Acute Coronary Syndrome

What is this study about?

When you have a heart attack, the heart muscle can become weaker. Sometimes, because the blood doesn't flow as smoothly, a blood clot can form in the heart's main pumping chamber, called the left ventricle. This clot can be serious because if pieces break off and travel to other parts of the body, they can cause problems like a stroke, which can be very damaging or even life-threatening.

To prevent these serious issues, doctors prescribe blood-thinning medications. These medicines help to dissolve the clot and stop new ones from forming. What we've noticed, though, is that even after treatment, some of these clots don't completely go away. For a long time, doctors have often continued blood thinners for longer than the usual six months if a clot is still there. However, this decision is often based on experience rather than clear scientific evidence. It’s also important to remember that taking blood thinners for a long time carries a risk of bleeding, which can also be serious.

This study, called LVT Duration, is a small, carefully planned research project to help us understand the best treatment time. We want to find out if continuing blood-thinning medicine beyond the first few months is really better for people whose heart clots haven't fully disappeared or whose heart muscle is still struggling after a heart attack. The results from this study will be crucial for guiding how doctors treat heart clots in the future, aiming to protect patients from serious complications while keeping them safe from treatment risks.

Key takeaways

Study looks at best treatment length for heart clots after a heart attack.
Compares continuing blood thinners to stopping them after 3-6 months.
Aims to reduce stroke risk while lowering bleeding risk.
Involves regular check-ups and heart scans.
Findings will help doctors treat future patients better.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older who have been diagnosed with a blood clot in their heart's main chamber within the last year. You would need to already be taking a specific blood-thinning medication called apixaban and have completed at least three months of this treatment for your heart clot.

Crucially, you can only join if your heart clot is still present, even if it's stuck firmly to your heart wall, or if your heart muscle is still not pumping as strongly as it should be.

You cannot join the study if you have any other medical condition that means you need to take blood thinners long-term anyway, or if you've already had a stroke since your heart clot was diagnosed. Also, if your doctors think it would be unsafe for you to continue taking blood thinners, or if you have a certain type of heart muscle problem not caused by a heart attack, you wouldn't be able to participate. You also can't take part if you are unable to give your consent.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Were you diagnosed with a heart clot less than 12 months ago?
Are you currently taking apixaban for your heart clot?
Have you already been on blood thinners for your heart clot for at least 3 months?
Is your heart clot still present, or is your heart muscle still weak?
Do you *not* need long-term blood thinners for another medical reason?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, we will recruit about 120 patients from NHS hospitals. You would be randomly chosen to either continue taking your blood-thinning medication or to stop taking it. Randomly chosen means it's like flipping a coin – neither you nor your doctor gets to choose which group you are in. This helps us get fair results.

After this initial decision, we would monitor you closely for 6 months. This would involve checking your health and possibly having scans to look at your heart. The total time we would follow your health for this study is 18 months. The information gathered will help us prepare for a larger study in the future.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part, you might directly help us learn the best time to treat blood clots in the heart, benefiting future patients. While there might not be a direct benefit to your own health, you will be closely monitored, and our research team will be available if you have any concerns. There are some risks: continuing blood thinners carries a risk of bleeding, while stopping them might increase the risk of a stroke or a new clot. You will also have scans (MRI and echocardiogram) which are generally safe but have small risks like discomfort, claustrophobia, or allergic reactions to contrast dye. All these risks will be carefully managed, and you can withdraw from the study at any time.

Locations (5)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Barts Health NHS Trust
City only
London, England
Mid and South Essex NHS Hospitals Trust
City only
Chelmsford, England
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Blackpool, England
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
City only
Leeds, England
St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
London, England

Common questions

What is a 'Left Ventricular Thrombus'?

It's a blood clot that forms in the main pumping chamber of your heart, often after a heart attack.

Why is this study important?

It aims to find the best length of time to treat heart clots with blood thinners, balancing clot prevention with bleeding risks.

Will I have to do anything differently if I join?

You might be asked to continue or stop your blood-thinning medicine, and you'll have regular check-ups and scans to monitor your health.

What happens if I want to stop participating?

You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Who is paying for this research?

This study is funded by Barts Charity in the UK.

How to find out more

Mervyn Andiapen

mervyn.andiapen@nhs.net +44 20 3765 8707 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.