Conscious Sedation vs General Anesthesia for Pulsed Field Ablation in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Official title: Efficacy and Safety of Local Anesthesia With Conscious Sedation Versus General Anesthesia for Pulsed Field Ablation in Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled, Noninferiority Trial
Run by China National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases · NCT07877519 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether local anesthesia with conscious sedation can match general anesthesia for pulsed field ablation in adults with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 390 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | China National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 2028 |
| Study ends | June 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 26, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07877519 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–80 with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation scheduled for pulsed field ablation and ASA class I–III.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications to catheter ablation, iodinated contrast allergy, or prior ablation may not benefit similarly.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a multicenter, randomized noninferiority trial enrolling 390 adults with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Participants are assigned 1:1 to undergo pulsed field ablation under either local anesthesia with conscious sedation or general anesthesia, using the same ablation strategy. The primary outcome is recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia lasting at least 30 seconds within 12 months after an 8-week blanking period. The study also assesses whether each anesthesia approach supports successful procedure completion and related safety. Pulsed field ablation can cause chest discomfort, coughing, or nerve stimulation, which may influence anesthesia choice and procedural stability.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If local anesthesia with conscious sedation proves noninferior, patients may benefit from reduced anesthesia resources and faster recovery without compromising efficacy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous evidence on anesthesia strategies for pulsed field ablation is limited, making this direct comparison valuable and relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosis of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. 2. Age 18 to 80 years. 3. Scheduled and willing to undergo pulsed field ablation. 4. American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status class I to III. 5. Able to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Contraindication to catheter ablation, including intracardiac or atrial thrombus. 2. Previous catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation or left atrial premature contractions. 3. Known allergy to iodinated contrast media. 4. Concurrent participation in another clinical trial involving a drug or medical device. 5. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or planned pregnancy in the near future. 6. Active infection. 7. Unwilling to participate or unable to comply with the study procedures and scheduled follow-up.
Where it's running
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Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Guanzhi Chen, Doctor
- Email: chenguanzhi@fuwai.com
- Phone: +8613923975318
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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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.