Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Realistic Computational Electrophysiology Simulations for the Targetted Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation

This study is looking for better ways to treat Atrial Fibrillation (AF), a common condition where your heart beats irregularly. Currently, a procedure called ablation helps many, but not everyone. We think this is because the electrical problems in the heart are different for each person. Researchers are using advanced computer models alongside actual patient information to understand these electrical patterns better. The goal is to develop a system that can identify the specific electrical issues in each patient's heart. This could lead to more personalised and effective treatments for AF in the future.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University of Edinburgh

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jul 2022

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2026

Atrial Fibrillation

What is this study about?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart condition that makes your heart beat irregularly. This can make you feel breathless and tired. It happens because of problems with the electrical signals in the upper chambers of your heart.

One common treatment for AF is a 'keyhole' procedure called ablation. During ablation, small areas of the heart are carefully targeted and treated to stop the abnormal electrical signals. While ablation works well for many, it doesn't help everyone. We believe this might be because the exact electrical problems causing AF are unique to each person.

This research aims to understand these electrical problems better. We're using a new approach that combines detailed computer models with information gathered from patients. The study will help us identify the specific electrical issues in different people's hearts. In the future, we hope this could lead to 'tailor-made' treatments, where the ablation procedure is planned precisely for your individual heart, making it more effective.

To do this, we're studying patients who are already going to have an ablation. We'll collect extra information, like more detailed heart scans and electrical measurements during the procedure, to help build and test our new computer models.

Key takeaways

This study wants to improve Atrial Fibrillation (AF) treatment.
It uses computer models to understand individual heart electrical problems.
Patients already having an ablation will be invited to participate.
Extra tests, like heart scans and monitors, will be part of the study.
The goal is to develop more personalised AF treatments for the future.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you would typically need to have been diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) in the last two years and be experiencing symptoms. Importantly, you must already be scheduled to have an ablation procedure to treat your AF from your doctor.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join the study. For example, if you have other serious heart conditions, kidney problems, or if you've already had a previous heart ablation or surgery. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you've had a heart attack recently, you also wouldn't be able to take part. Also, if you can't understand explanations in English, you wouldn't be able to join. The study is open to people aged 18 to 80.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Have I been diagnosed with symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation in the last two years?
Am I already scheduled to have an ablation procedure for my Atrial Fibrillation?
Am I between 18 and 80 years old?
Do I have any other serious heart conditions, like a very recent heart attack or certain inherited heart problems?
Am I currently pregnant or breastfeeding?
Can I understand explanations about the study in English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be giving researchers permission to use information from your routine medical tests, like ECGs, blood tests, and heart scans. In addition, you'll have some extra things to do specifically for the study.

Before your ablation procedure, you'll have an extra detailed heart scan (called a cardiac MRI) and wear a special heart monitor (like a Holter monitor) for two weeks. You'll also fill out some questionnaires about your AF symptoms. During your ablation procedure, the medical team will take some extra electrical measurements from your heart for the study. After your ablation, you'll wear the two-week heart monitor and fill out the symptom questionnaires again. All these extra steps help us gather the information needed for our computer models.

Potential risks and benefits

This study aims to develop better ways to treat Atrial Fibrillation in the future. While this study may not directly benefit you, the information we learn could help many people with AF down the line. All procedures you undergo as part of the study (like the ablation) are already planned by your doctor. The extra tests for the study, such as an additional heart scan or wearing a monitor, are generally safe. However, as with any medical procedure, there's always a small chance of unexpected problems. You're free to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

NHS Lothian
Verified postcode
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Atrial Fibrillation (AF)?

AF is a heart condition where the upper chambers of your heart beat irregularly, which can make you feel tired or breathless.

What is an ablation procedure?

It's a keyhole procedure that uses heat to treat small areas in your heart, helping to fix irregular electrical signals causing AF.

Will this study change my AF treatment?

No, you will still have the ablation procedure planned by your doctor. This study just collects extra information to help future research.

What is a computer model used for in this study?

Computer models help us understand the unique electrical problems in each person's heart, hoping to make treatments more effective.

Do I have to take part if I'm asked?

No, it's completely your choice. Your medical care will not be affected if you decide not to join the study.