AI mapping of atrial changes to guide better ablation for atrial fibrillation

Artificial intelligence analysis of atrial remodeling evolution in patients with atrial fibrillation: Towards optimal ablation strategies

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11250030

This project uses AI on heart scans and electrical maps to learn why atrial fibrillation returns after ablation and to help doctors plan clearer, more lasting ablation for people whose AF doesn't respond to medicines.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11250030 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You would have your heart imaging and electrical mapping data combined with computer models and artificial intelligence to track how the atria change before and after ablation. The team will look for patterns of scarring, stretch, and functional decline that predict AF coming back. They will build personalized computer models to test which ablation targets or strategies might stop recurrence. The goal is to give doctors better, individualized guidance during catheter ablation to reduce repeat procedures.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with atrial fibrillation who have not been controlled by medications and who are being considered for catheter ablation are the most likely candidates.

Not a fit: Patients whose AF is well controlled on medicines, who are not eligible for ablation, or who cannot undergo the required imaging or mapping may not see direct benefit from this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce AF recurrence and lower the need for repeat ablation by tailoring procedures to each patient's heart.

How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown imaging and mapping can help predict ablation outcomes, but combining AI with personalized mechanistic models to guide ablation is relatively new and still early in testing.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.