Robert Eckart, DO
Oct. 23, 2025 – Atrial fibrillation (AFib), is the most common treated heart arrhythmia, affecting over 6 million American adults. Sarasota Memorial’s Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute is participating in the CONFORM Pivotal trial, evaluating a new investigational device that offers patients with AFib an alternative to long-term medication use. The study will help determine if the device is safer and more effective than other commercially available devices for left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion or closure.
Led locally by cardiac electrophysiologist Robert Eckart, DO, the multi-center trial will evaluate the CLAAS® system—a permanent implant in the left atrial appendage designed to seal off the LAA, a small pouch in the heart where clots often form, and lower the risk of stroke without the need of blood thinners. The CLAAS® system is intended to simplify the procedure and enhance safety for patients by utilizing a foam-based implant designed to conform to each patient’s unique anatomy…