Clinical trial No longer in our active list Observational Ages 18 and up

Examining the effects of active esophageal cooling during atrial fibrillation ablation

Official title: REView of ProcEdural FactoRs and Outcomes After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation With Active Esophageal COOLing: A Sub-study of the REAL AF Registry

Run by Heart Rhythm Clinical and Research Solutions, LLC · NCT06354777 · Data updated 2026-05-14

This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.

This study is testing if using active cooling on the esophagus during heart ablation can help people with atrial fibrillation have safer and more effective procedures.

More Atrial Fibrillation trials

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment312 (estimated)
SponsorHeart Rhythm Clinical and Research Solutions, LLC
Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Chandler, Arizona and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06354777 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with symptomatic Paroxysmal or Persistent Atrial Fibrillation scheduled for ablation.

Probably not a fit

Patients under 18 or those with contraindications to ablation procedures will 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 observational sub-study investigates the effectiveness of active esophageal cooling in patients undergoing left atrial ablation for symptomatic Paroxysmal or Persistent Atrial Fibrillation. The study aims to assess the impact of this cooling technique on reducing risks to the esophagus and improving overall procedural outcomes. By analyzing data from multiple centers, the research seeks to clarify the benefits of active cooling, including potential reductions in procedure time and post-ablation discomfort, while ensuring patient safety. Participants will be enrolled from the REAL AF Registry and will undergo a thorough evaluation to determine eligibility.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to safer and more effective atrial fibrillation ablation procedures with fewer complications.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies, including the IMPACT trial, have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for success.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Symptomatic Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (AF episode terminate spontaneously within 7 days) or Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (AF sustained beyond 7 days) who, in the opinion of the investigator, are scheduled for ablation for Atrial Fibrillation with active esophageal cooling.
* \>18 years of age
* Index or redo ablation procedure and enrolled in the REAL AF Registry
* Willing and able to provide informed consent and complete GERD questionnaire.

Exclusion Criteria:

* For the purpose of this sub-study, candidates will be excluded if they meet any of the following criteria:
* Enrolled in an investigational drug or device clinical trial, or any trial that dictates the treatment plan.
* In the opinion of the investigator, any known contraindication to an ablation procedure.
* \<18 years of age

Where it's running

  • Valley Heart Rhythm Specialists
    Chandler, Arizona, United States
    Recruiting
  • Ascension St. Vincent Hospital Indianapolis
    Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
    Recruiting
  • Christ Hospital
    Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
    Recruiting
  • Allegheny General Hospital
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
    Recruiting
  • MultiCare Institute for Research & Innovation
    Tacoma, Washington, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.