Strokes Reduced by Implant

A new implant for patients with heart problems has been introduced and is being tested. This implant, called the PLAATO device, reduces the risk of stroke caused by irregular heartbeat. The condition, known as atrial fibrillation, is most common among elderly. It affects the top chambers of the heart known as the atria. The new PLAATO device can virtually cure this problem. In a study done on 111 patients with this device implanted, only two suffered a stroke in a year. This is a large decrease from 5.5% expected in this population. It is complicated to implant, but it is a great for the patients.