Substrate Remodelling and Targeted Ablation in AF

Launched by BARTS & THE LONDON NHS TRUST · Jun 24, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to improve treatment for people with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart rhythm problem that can cause symptoms like a racing heart, tiredness, and breathlessness. The usual treatment is a procedure called catheter ablation, where doctors use thin wires inserted through a vein in the leg to reach the heart and gently destroy small areas causing the abnormal rhythm. However, this treatment doesn’t work for everyone, and AF often comes back. This study aims to create detailed 3D maps of the heart’s electrical activity to better understand the areas causing AF. Using these maps during the ablation procedure may help doctors target the problem more precisely and improve treatment success.

People who have persistent AF and are about to have their first catheter ablation may be able to join this trial. Participants will undergo the standard ablation procedure, but with the added detailed heart mapping. If AF comes back, they might be offered a second procedure focused on specific problem areas found during the mapping. The study will follow participants for a year, with regular check-ups and heart monitoring to see how well this approach works. Overall, the trial hopes to find better ways to treat AF, reduce the need for repeat procedures, and improve quality of life for patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Able and willing to provide written informed consent
• • Age: 18 years or older
• • Clinical diagnosis: Persistent atrial fibrillation
• • Treatment status: Scheduled to undergo first-time catheter ablation for persistent AF
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent
• • Under 18 years of age
• • Previous left atrial ablation for AF or other atrial arrhythmias
• • Any clinical contraindications to undergoing AF catheter ablation