Study Comparing Minimally-Invasive Hybrid Ablation and Standard Catheter Ablation for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation with Heart Failure

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a staged hybrid ablation procedure compared to the standard catheter ablation in patients with non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation AF and heart failure. This randomized controlled trial aims to determine which approach better prevents persistent atrial arrhythmia over a follow-up period extending to 24 months after treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. One group will undergo a staged convergent hybrid ablation, consisting of a minimally invasive surgical epicardial ablation with optional left atrial appendage exclusion followed by an endocardial catheter ablation. The other group will receive the standard percutaneous endocardial catheter ablation alone. The trial compares these two device-based procedures to assess their impact on heart rhythm and heart function. During the study, participants will be closely monitored for heart rhythm changes, heart chamber remodeling, and quality of life using various assessments before treatment and at 12 and 24 months afterward. The main outcome measured is freedom from persistent atrial arrhythmia after a single procedure without certain medications. Safety is also tracked within 30 days and beyond. Overall, the trial will last at least two years for each participant, including follow-up evaluations at multiple time points.

Hybrid Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Failure