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ARTESiA

ARTESiA is a multi-centre international double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing apixaban versus aspirin for reduction in stroke and systemic embolism in patients with device-detected sub-clinical atrial fibrillation. The study is being conducted in 4000 participants, from 200+ sites in Canada, USA and several European countries.

Overview

To determine if treatment with apixaban, compared with aspirin, will reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with device-detected sub-clinical atrial fibrillation (SCAF) and additional risk factors for stroke. Current guidelines recommend treatment with an oral anticoagulant for stroke prevention in clinical Atrial Fibrillation but opinion leaders are uncertain of the role of oral anticoagulants for patients with SCAF. 4000 patients from approximately 240 sites in Canada, USA and Europe and will be randomized double-blinded to receive apixaban (5 mg bid or 2.5 mg bid as per labelling) or aspirin (81 mg OD). The study will be event driven and will continue until 248 primary outcome events (stroke or systemic embolism) have occurred. Estimated mean follow-up time is 3 years.

For more information, please visit the study page here

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Sponsor/colloborators: BMS/Pfizer, Medtronic and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)