Ablation of focal activation in atrial fibrillation
Official title: Ablation of Focal Activation During Persistent Atrial Fibrillation to Determine the Characteristics of Focal Drivers
Run by Imperial College London · NCT06402617 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new method to find specific electrical signals that may be causing ongoing atrial fibrillation in patients, to see if targeting these signals can improve their treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 110 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Imperial College London Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 30, 2024 |
| Main results expected | October 2028 |
| Study ends | October 2028 |
| Registry record updated | November 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06402617 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are individuals with persistent atrial fibrillation who are clinically suitable for catheter ablation.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with previous atrial fibrillation ablation procedures or significant comorbidities may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the use of RETRO-Mapping, a novel algorithmic approach, to identify focal electrical activations that may drive persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). By generating activation maps during AF, the study aims to determine whether these focal drivers contribute to the maintenance of AF. Participants will undergo pulmonary vein isolation and may receive adjunctive ablation guided by RETRO-Mapping. The goal is to improve the understanding of AF mechanisms and enhance treatment outcomes for patients with persistent AF.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation.
How similar studies have gone: While other studies have shown success with pulmonary vein isolation, the use of RETRO-Mapping for persistent AF is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Persistent atrial fibrillation with clinical indication for catheter ablation * Clinically suitable candidate for catheter ablation * Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Previous atrial fibrillation or other catheter ablation procedure * Clinical contraindication to catheter ablation or general anaesthetic, including history of adverse reaction to contrast media, or presence of intracardiac thrombus, or inadequate anticoagulation in the preceding 6 weeks * Valvular disease graded moderate or greater, or presence of a prosthetic valve * Moderate-to-severe heart failure, defined as left ventricular ejection fraction \<35% and/or New York Heart Association class III-IV * Any form of cardiomyopathy * Active infection or fever * Severe cerebrovascular disease * Active gastrointestinal bleeding * Bleeding or clotting disorders, clinically high bleeding risk, or clinical contraindication to receiving heparin * Baseline serum creatinine \>200umol/L * Currently receiving or at risk of requiring renal replacement therapy * Uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c ≥73mmol/mol or HbA1c ≤64mmol/mol and fasting blood glucose ≥9.2mmol/L) * Malignancy necessitating therapy * Life expectancy shorter than the duration of the trial * Pregnancy, or childbearing potential and not using a highly effective method of contraception * Inability to provide informed consent to participate in the trial
Where it's running
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Hammersmith Hospital
London, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Prapa Kanagaratnam, FRCP PhD — Imperial College London
- Study coordinator: Prapa Kanagaratnam, FRCP PhD
- Email: p.kanagaratnam@imperial.ac.uk
- Phone: 020 3312 6666
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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This project will test whether detailed heart examinations can find which people with atrial fibrillation who just had an ischemic stroke are at high risk of having another stroke.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.