Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment Versus Medical Management for Stroke Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment Versus Medical Management for Stroke Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
The purpose of this study is to compare a minimally invasive surgical procedure and
 medication management in stroke patients with Atrial Fibrillation. The two treatment options
 are a minimally invasive surgical procedure or the use of medications.
Must have had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) and have Atrial Fibrillation
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients with a history of stroke and paroxysmal, persistent or permanent AF.

 -  Ischemic stroke or TIA with documented paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation. A
 TIA will meet inclusion criteria as a sudden-onset focal neurological symptom or sign
 lasting at least 10 minutes but less than 24 hours with or without evidence of acute
 brain ischemia on diffusion weighted MRI imaging.

 -  Eligible symptoms INCLUDE hemiplegia or hemiparesis, monoplegia, or language
 disturbance other than isolated dysarthria.

 -  Symptoms that will NOT QUALIFY AS TIA INCLUDE transient monocular blindness in both
 eyes, dysarthria, vertigo,isolated sensory symptoms, confusion, memory loss,
 nonspecific complaints of dizziness, or syncope.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Recent stroke (< 1 month).

 -  Age < 18 or > 80 years; Ejection Fraction < 25%• Presence of left atrial appendage
 thrombus on CT or echocardiography

 -  Previous empyema or thoracic surgery, preventing access to the pulmonary veins via
 thoracoscopy.

 -  Left Atrial Diameter > 55mm.

 -  Contraindication to anticoagulation with Coumadin.

 -  Mitral insufficiency (> 2+)

 -  • • Contraindications to MRI

 -  •Artificial heart valve prosthesis

 -  Aneurysm clips

 -  Implanted drug infusion device or pump

 -  Any type of neurotranstimulator

 -  Any type of bone growth stimulator

 -  Cochlear implants or inner ear prosthesis

 -  Any intravascular coils, filters, or stents

 -  Shrapnel or bullets

 -  Other metallic implants or devices specify which

 -  Permanently tattooed eyeliner

 -  Are you pregnant or suspect to be pregnant?