Ascension Alexian Brothers is excited to announce that it is one of the first hospitals taking part in the REACT-AF (Rhythm Evaluation for Anticoagulation with continuous monitoring of Atrial Fibrillation) clinical study for a new device to help those with one of the most common heart arrhythmias. The study, and device’s, primary objective is to better administer oral bloodthinning medication during atrial fibrillation (AFib) treatment with the goal of reducing bleeding risk and better preventing strokes.
Patients are randomized 1:1 to standard of care or the new interventional arm, which includes the use of an atrial fibrillation sensing smart watch. The trial is slated to enroll more than 5,000 patients, with follow-up for three to five years. The study is funded by a National Institute of Health subaward through Northwestern University in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University.
“The facility’s REACT-AF study participation is just another example of how Alexian Brothers is stepping up to meet the continued needs of the community and advance heart and neuro care for all,” said Dr. Taral Patel, cardiac electrophysiologist with Ascension Illinois and principal investigator for the REACT-AF study. “We are excited to do everything we can to further push the boundaries of medicine and improve outcomes.”
Alexian Brothers has long been a leading facility in cardiovascular care in Northwest Cook County. Currently, the cardiovascular team provides some of the most advanced treatment options including cryoablation and no-radiation ablation to eliminate targeted tissue like tumors and abnormal heart tissue, electrical cardioversion to help correct arrhythmia, and left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) to prevent strokes in patients with AFib.
In July, Ascension Alexian Brothers was awarded a Gold Plus recognition through the American Heart Association’s “Get With The Guidelines” program. Gold Plus is the highest level of distinction and demonstrates that the hospital is dedicated to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices, and further authenticates how comprehensive both the cardiac and neuro teams at Alexian Brothers are at improving patient outcomes.
