RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Personalised Ablation Strategies in AF

This study aims to improve treatments for atrial fibrillation (AF), a common irregular heartbeat. While a procedure called catheter ablation can help, its success varies. Researchers believe this is because current methods don't fully account for individual differences in how AF develops and continues in the heart. This study will look closely at these individual differences, particularly in persistent AF (long-lasting AF), by examining how the heart's electrical signals behave. The goal is to develop new, tailored ablation strategies that target these specific mechanisms. By making treatment more precise, the study hopes to increase the success rate of ablation, potentially improving patients' well-being and reducing healthcare costs.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Barts & The London NHS Trust

Enrolment target

160

Start

14 Oct 2022

Estimated completion

10 Oct 2027

Atrium; Fibrillation

What is this study about?

This research is focused on a common heart condition called atrial fibrillation (AF), where the heart beats in an irregular and often fast pattern. While there's a treatment called catheter ablation that can help, it doesn't always work for everyone. This study wants to find out why some people respond better to ablation than others.

The researchers believe that the way AF starts and continues can be different in each person, depending on the underlying 'substrate' – essentially, the electrical properties and condition of the heart tissue. Current ablation methods might not fully address these individual differences. This study will investigate these distinct mechanisms, especially in people with persistent AF (AF that lasts for a long time).

By understanding these differences better, the team aims to develop new, personalised ablation strategies. The hope is that by tailoring the treatment to each individual's specific AF mechanism, the catheter ablation procedure will become much more successful. This could lead to better outcomes for patients, improving their quality of life, and potentially reducing the overall burden of AF on healthcare services.

Key takeaways

Aims to improve success of irregular heartbeat (AF) treatment.
Investigates why AF impacts people differently.
Seeks to develop personalised treatment plans for AF.
Could improve patient well-being and reduce healthcare costs.
Focuses on persistent AF patients already having a procedure.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adult patients who are already scheduled to have a specific heart procedure called catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation. This means your irregular heartbeat has been ongoing for some time, but typically less than two years, and you haven't had a previous ablation procedure in the left side of your heart.

To join, you must be willing and able to understand and sign a consent form, showing you agree to take part. You cannot participate if you are under 18 years old, if your doctor has advised against catheter ablation for you, or if you are unable to provide consent for any reason.

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.

Are you 18 years or older?
Are you scheduled for a catheter ablation for persistent AF?
Have you not had a previous left atrial ablation?
Are you able to provide your informed consent to participate?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be participating in a single-centre study at Barts Heart Centre in London. The study involves collecting extra information during your planned catheter ablation procedure. Before the procedure, if your heart isn't in a regular rhythm, you might have a brief electrical shock (DCCV) to get it back into a normal rhythm for the study measurements. During the ablation, the team will use special catheters to map the electrical activity in your heart, especially looking at specific areas where the electrical signals might be moving differently. These extra measurements will help the doctors understand more about how your AF works. All assessments will be done during your scheduled procedure; there are no additional hospital visits or changes to your medication for the study itself. The exact duration of your participation in the study will align with your ablation procedure and any follow-up appointments your doctor usually schedules.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the benefit of contributing to new knowledge that could lead to more effective treatments for atrial fibrillation in the future, ultimately helping other patients. However, there are no direct personal medical benefits guaranteed from participating in the research itself, as the primary procedure is your planned ablation. The risks involved are generally those associated with the standard catheter ablation procedure, but with some additional detailed mapping steps. You can withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting the medical care you receive.

Locations (1)

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

Barts Heart Centre, Barts Health NHS trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is atrial fibrillation (AF)?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate.

What is catheter ablation?

Catheter ablation is a procedure where doctors use thin, flexible wires (catheters) guided into your heart to treat the areas causing the irregular heartbeat.

What does 'personalised ablation strategies' mean?

It means the study aims to create a treatment plan for your irregular heartbeat that is specifically designed for your unique heart and how your AF behaves, rather than a 'one-size-fits-all' approach.

Will my treatment change if I join this study?

The study will involve extra measurements during your planned catheter ablation, but it won't change the main ablation procedure your doctor has already recommended for you.

Where is this study taking place?

This study is being conducted at the Barts Heart Centre, which is part of St Bartholomew's Hospital in London.

How to find out more

Shohreh Honarbakhsh, MRCP, BSc, PhD

shohreh.honarbakhsh@nhs.net 020 3765 8682 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.