Evaluating imaging techniques for atrial fibrillation ablation

Contribution of Left Atrial Epicardial Fat Quantification by Computed Tomography and Left Atrial Strain by MRI in Atrial-Fibrilation Ablation: "The CTStrain-AF Study"

Observational Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris · NCT04281329

This study is testing new imaging techniques to see if measuring heart fat can help doctors choose the best patients for their first atrial fibrillation ablation to improve treatment success.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment130 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAssistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris Academic / other
Locations1 site (Paris)
Trial IDNCT04281329 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the prognostic value of new automated measurement techniques for intra-myocardial atrial fat using cardiac CT and global left atrial strain through MRI in patients scheduled for their first atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. It seeks to improve patient selection for AF ablation by identifying predictive factors that could enhance the success rates of the procedure. The study is prospective and multicenter, involving multiple hospitals to gather a diverse patient cohort. By analyzing the relationship between left atrial fat volume and ablation outcomes, the study hopes to provide insights into optimizing AF treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for their first radiofrequency AF ablation within the next six months.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously undergone AF ablation or those scheduled for cryoablation will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better patient selection for AF ablation, potentially increasing the success rates of the procedure.

How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have explored the use of MRI for predicting AF ablation outcomes, the specific combination of imaging techniques in this study is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient in whom radiofrequency AF ablation is scheduled within the next 6 months.
* age ≥18 years
* Patient affiliated to a social security scheme
* Patient informed and given written consent for participation in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Refusal to participate in the study
* Patient who has already benefited from an AF ablation procedure
* Patient for whom an AF ablation procedure by cryoablation system is planned
* Scanner or MRI pre-inclusion not exploitable
* Presence of an implantable cardiac prosthesis of pacemaker type or defibrillator
* Claustrophobia
* Iodinated / gadolinium contrast medium allergy
* Chronic renal failure with clearance \<30ml / min
* Follow-up visits not possible
* Pregnancy in progress
* Patients unable to sign consent
* Minors and adults protected under legal protection (tutorship or guardianship)
* Period of exclusion from a research study

Where this trial is running

Paris

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 FibrillationAtrial fibrillationCatheter ablationMagnetic resonance imagingComputed tomography
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.