Comparing shock energy for treating persistent atrial fibrillation
A Randomised Trial of Shock Energy for Electrical Cardioversion of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
This study is testing whether using different shock levels from defibrillators can help people with persistent atrial fibrillation get their heart rhythm back to normal.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Wellington Hospital Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Wellington, Wellington Region) |
| Trial ID | NCT05903170 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of two defibrillators with different maximum energy outputs in cardioverting patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive shocks at either 200J or 360J, with a maximum of three shocks administered based on their assigned energy level. If the lower energy level fails to restore normal rhythm, a fourth shock at the higher energy level will be given. Blood tests will be conducted the day after the procedure to assess outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years old who are undergoing elective outpatient or non-emergent inpatient cardioversion for atrial fibrillation and are reliably anticoagulated.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those with contraindications to anticoagulation, atrial flutter, or those requiring emergent cardioversion.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cardioversion techniques for patients with atrial fibrillation, enhancing treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on shock energy in cardioversion, this specific head-to-head comparison of two defibrillators is novel and has not been previously undertaken.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age \>18 * Patients undergoing either elective outpatient or non-emergent inpatient cardioversion for atrial fibrillation * Eligible for anticoagulation * Reliably anticoagulated for ≥three weeks prior to cardioversion, AF onset within 48hrs of cardioversion, or left atrial thrombus excluded on transoesophageal echocardiogram * Able to consent to cardioversion, and study participation Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindication to anticoagulation * Atrial flutter * Emergent cardioversion * Implantable cardiac device (PPM or ICD) * Unable to consent to cardioversion and/or study participation * Pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Wellington, Wellington Region
- Wellington Regional Hospital — Wellington, Wellington Region, New Zealand (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Allan Plant, FRACP — Wellington Hospital
- Study coordinator: Allan M Plant, FRACP
- Email: allanmplant@gmail.com
- Phone: +64274114001
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.