Investigation of Cardioversion Versus Therapeutic Ablation for Persistent AF (ORBICA-AF)

Launched by BARTS & THE LONDON NHS TRUST · Oct 19, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The ORBICA-AF trial is studying two different treatments for a heart condition called persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), which is an irregular heartbeat that lasts for more than a week. The researchers want to find out if a procedure called catheter ablation, which aims to isolate certain areas of the heart to prevent AF from returning, is more effective than a different treatment called DC cardioversion, where an electrical shock is used to restore a normal heartbeat.

To participate in this trial, you need to be between 18 and 85 years old and have had persistent AF for less than two years, and you should be considering cardioversion. However, if you have certain health issues, like kidney problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or if you've had multiple previous cardioversion attempts, you might not be eligible. If you join the study, you can expect to receive either the catheter ablation or the cardioversion treatment, and researchers will track your health to see which method works better in preventing AF from coming back. This trial is important because it could help improve treatment options for people with persistent AF.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Ability to give informed consent
• • Age 18-85 years
• • Persistent AF (atrial fibrillation lasting \> 7days) of total continuous duration \<2 years as documented in medical notes.
• • Patients being considered for cardioversion.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Creatinine clearance (eGFR) \< 30mls/min
• • Contraindication or unable to take anticoagulation
• • Uncontrolled hypertension
• • Contraindication for catheter ablation
• • BMI \> 40
• • Patients in Persistent AF who have had more than one previous cardioversion.
• • Established diagnosis of Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy