Computer-guided planning for heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation) procedures

SCH: Simulation Optimization of Cardiac Surgical Planning

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE KNOXVILLE · NIH-11171655

This project uses sensors and computer models to help doctors plan catheter ablation for people with atrial fibrillation.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE KNOXVILLE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (KNOXVILLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11171655 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

If I have atrial fibrillation and may need ablation, this work combines data from sensors used during procedures with computer simulations to guide planning. The researchers will merge patient signals with heart physics to train AI that knows how electrical activity flows in the heart. They will run simulations to test different ablation line plans and use physics-augmented machine learning to make the planning more reliable. The goal is to use these tools to reduce variation in outcomes across patients and surgeons.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with atrial fibrillation who are scheduled for or considering catheter ablation and who receive care at participating centers.

Not a fit: People without atrial fibrillation, those not undergoing ablation, or patients treated at centers that do not use the project's sensing or planning tools are unlikely to benefit directly.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could help physicians choose safer and more effective ablation plans, lowering the chance of repeat procedures and complications.

How similar studies have performed: Some prior studies using imaging and patient-specific simulations have shown promising results for guiding ablation, but combining physics-informed AI with intraoperative sensor signals is a relatively new and evolving approach.

Where this research is happening

KNOXVILLE, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.