Actively Recruiting
Convergent Ablation Plus Left Atrial Appendage Isolation for the Treatment of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Led by Barts & The London NHS Trust · Updated on 2026-05-20
48
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
17 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
B
Barts & The London NHS Trust
Lead Sponsor
A
AtriCure, Inc.
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of a combined approach called the Convergent procedure with the LARIAT device compared to standard catheter ablation in patients with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). This study focuses on improving treatment outcomes for persistent AF, which is a common heart rhythm disorder linked to stroke and heart failure. Current treatments have moderate success, so this trial aims to explore a new minimally invasive method that may enhance patient quality of life and reduce hospital readmissions. The Convergent procedure involves two stages: first, a minimally invasive surgical ablation targeting the back wall of the left atrium combined with isolating the left atrial appendage using the LARIAT device; second, a catheter ablation performed inside the heart to confirm and complete the lesion formation. Patients are randomly assigned to receive either this two-stage Convergent ablation with LARIAT or the standard endocardial catheter ablation treatment. Participants will be closely monitored for safety and treatment success, including tracking adverse events within 30 days and freedom from atrial arrhythmias over 12 months after a 3-month recovery period. Researchers will also assess symptom improvements, heart function changes, and heart failure status during the year following treatment. The study includes a recruitment feasibility assessment over 24 months and continues until October 2026.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Convergent Ablation Plus Left Atrial Appendage Isolation for the Treatment of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age over 18 years and under 80 years
- Persistent atrial fibrillation lasting more than 1 year
- Left atrium size less than 6 cm
- Able to provide written informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Currently enrolled in another investigational study except observational registries without treatments
- Reversible or transient cause of atrial fibrillation
- Absence of left atrial appendage or previous surgical ligation of the appendage
- Previous cardiac or abdominal surgery
- Contraindication to anticoagulation therapy
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Significant valve disease
- Previous catheter or surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Procedure day plus immediate recovery period
Participants undergo the assigned ablation procedure which may involve a two-stage minimally invasive epicardial ablation with left atrial appendage exclusion followed by endocardial catheter ablation, or standard endocardial catheter ablation.
1 to 2 visits depending on procedure stage
Duration - 12 months
Participants are monitored for safety, efficacy, and symptom improvement after the ablation procedure.
Regular follow-up visits during 12 months post procedure
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
St Bartholomew's Hospital
London, United Kingdom, EC1A 4AS
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Syed Ahsan
S
Shahana Hussain
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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