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Clinical trial Recruiting at 5 sites Interventional Ages 18 and up

Hybrid ablation for treating persistent atrial fibrillation

Official title: A Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing Convergent Hybrid Ablation to Catheter Ablation in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure

Run by St. George's Hospital, London · NCT05411614 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new hybrid treatment for people with persistent atrial fibrillation to see if it works better than the standard catheter procedure in helping them stay free from heart rhythm problems.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment120 (estimated)
SponsorSt. George's Hospital, London
Academic / other
Locations7 sites (Chertsey and 6 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJune 25, 2022
Main results expectedMay 2026
Study endsOctober 2027
Registry record updatedNovember 28, 2025
Trial IDNCT05411614 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with persistent or long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation and a dilated left atrium.

Probably not a fit

Patients who have had previous open-heart surgery or those with severe concomitant conditions may 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 randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a staged hybrid ablation technique compared to standard catheter ablation in patients with non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups in a 1:1 ratio. The primary goal is to determine the freedom from persistent atrial arrhythmia over a 24-month period, following a 3-month blanking phase. The study will utilize the AtriCure EPi-Sense-AF Guided Coagulation System and endocardial catheter ablation as part of the intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more effective treatment option for patients suffering from persistent atrial fibrillation.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with hybrid ablation techniques, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Persistent or Long-standing Persistent AF
* Dilated left atrium (at least moderately dilated)
* Suitable for either procedure
* LVEF \< 50%

Exclusion Criteria:

* Not yet optimised from a medical or lifestyle perspective for AF or heart failure
* Unable to provide written consent
* Previous open-heart surgery
* Active infection, oesophageal ulcer stricture or oesophageal varices
* Prior catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (prior ablation for atrial flutter / supraventricular tachycardia or ventricular arrhythmia acceptable)
* Contraindication to anticoagulation, or active thrombus in the left atrium despite therapeutic anticoagulation
* Severe valvular heart disease
* Unstable coronary artery disease
* Uncontrolled ventricular arrhythmia
* Heart attack or stroke within the last 90 days
* Pregnant, breastfeeding, or women of childbearing age who plan to get pregnant within six months
* Severe concomitant condition or presence of an implanted device that would preclude the patient from undergoing trial procedures

Where it's running

  • Ashford & St Peters Hospital NHS Trust
    Chertsey, United Kingdom     Recruiting
  • Epsom General Hospital
    Epsom, United Kingdom     Recruiting
  • Royal Surrey County Hospital
    London, United Kingdom     Recruiting
  • St Georges at Kingston Hospital
    London, United Kingdom     Recruiting
  • St Georges University of London
    London, United Kingdom     Recruiting
  • Cromwell Hospital
    London, United Kingdom     Active not recruiting
Show 1 more location
  • St Anthonys Hospital
    London, United Kingdom     Active not recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Riyaz A Kaba — St Georges Hospital NHS Trust
  • Study coordinator: Riyaz A Kaba
  • Email: rkaba@sgul.ac.uk
  • Phone: 020 8725 4571

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.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ Find more trials like this →
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Persistent Atrial Fibrillation 29Atrial Fibrillation, Persistent 9Atrial Arrhythmia 10Atrial Fibrillation 390Heart Failure 1020Left Ventricular (LV) Systolic Dysfunction 4St. George's Hospital, London 2
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.