Magnetic gel injected into the heart could stop strokes

"Magnetic fluid injected into the heart could help prevent strokes and it's been tested for the first time in a pig. This new approach could help the millions of people whose hearts beat too quickly, who are at risk of clots forming in their hearts. The fluid seals off a section of the heart known as the left atrial appendage stopping this buildup from happening avoiding deadly strokes."

"The researchers showed that the fluid caused no negative effect effects on rats and a pig, and they had no signs of clot formation. The researchers hope that this technique could save lives, but they caution that many more years of tests are needed before trying this out in humans."

A novel magnetic fluid-based hydrogel plug has been developed to block the left atrial appendage, a heart chamber where clots form in people with irregular heartbeats. This technique aims to prevent strokes in millions at risk. Initial testing on rats and a pig demonstrated no adverse effects and no clot formation, showing promising safety results. The magnetic fluid effectively seals off the targeted heart section, stopping dangerous clot buildup. Researchers emphasize that extensive additional testing is required before human trials can begin, though they believe this approach could potentially save lives.

Read at Nature