Early atrial fibrillation ablation for patients with high comorbidity burden

Early Atrial Fibrillation Ablation for Stroke Prevention in Patients With High Comorbidity Burden (EASThigh-AFNET 11)

Not applicable Interventional Atrial Fibrillation Network · NCT06324188

This study is testing if early heart procedure called ablation can help people with atrial fibrillation and other health issues avoid serious problems like strokes and heart failure better than regular treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment2312 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAtrial Fibrillation Network Academic / other
Locations7 sites (Multiple Locations and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06324188 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

EASThigh-AFNET 11 is an international, multicenter trial that investigates the effectiveness of early atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with a high comorbidity burden, specifically those with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 4 or more. The trial aims to determine if this intervention can reduce cardiovascular events such as stroke, cardiovascular death, and heart failure compared to usual care. By randomizing 2312 patients, the study will assess the safety and efficacy of ablation versus standard treatment approaches. The focus is on patients recently diagnosed with atrial fibrillation who are suitable for cryoballoon ablation systems.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation and a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 4 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients with a life expectancy of less than one year or those unsuitable for atrial fibrillation ablation will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation and multiple comorbidities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that early rhythm control can reduce complications in atrial fibrillation, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

I1. AF first diagnosed within 5 years prior to enrolment and documented in body surface ECG

I2. High comorbidity estimated by CHA2DS2-VASc score of 4 or more

I3. Patient suitable for ablation using cryoballoon ablation systems or other ablation systems with comparable efficacy and safety from Medtronic

I4. Age ≥ 18 years

I5. Provision of signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

General exclusion criteria

E1. Any disease that limits life expectancy to less than 1 year.

E2. Participation in another clinical trial, either within the 3 months prior to enrolment or still on-going (participation in potential sub-studies connected to this trial is permitted).

E3. Previous participation in EASThigh-AFNET 11.

E4. Pregnant women.

E5. Breastfeeding women.

E6. Drug abuse or clinically manifest alcohol abuse.

Exclusion criteria related to a cardiac condition

E7. Prior AF ablation or surgical therapy of AF.

E8. Patients not suitable for AF ablation.

E9. Patients with a history of stroke which occurred within 3 months prior to enrolment.

E10. Valve disease requiring specific therapy.

Exclusion criteria based on laboratory abnormalities

E11. Clinically manifested thyroid dysfunction requiring therapy.

Where this trial is running

Multiple Locations and 6 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Atrial FibrillationEarly atrial fibrillation ablationHigh comorbidity burdenCHA2DS2-VASc scoreEarly rhythm controlStrokeHeart failureCardiovascular death
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.