Impact of diabetes on outcomes after heart procedure for atrial fibrillation

Impact of Individual Atrial Arrhythmia Substrate on the Outcome Following Radiofrequency-Guided Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus

Observational Heart and Diabetes Center North-Rhine Westfalia · NCT05873920

This study looks at how having diabetes affects the results of a heart procedure for atrial fibrillation in patients who have it.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHeart and Diabetes Center North-Rhine Westfalia Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bad Oeynhausen)
Trial IDNCT05873920 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to analyze how diabetes mellitus affects patient outcomes following radiofrequency-guided catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. A total of 50 patients with diabetes will undergo the procedure, and pre-procedural cardiac MRI will be conducted to assess fibrosis in the atria. The study will investigate the relationship between diabetes and the individual arrhythmia substrates, as well as the overall outcomes of the catheter ablation procedure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with diabetes mellitus who are undergoing their first catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications for MRI, previous ablation procedures, or significant obesity may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with diabetes undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on atrial fibrillation and diabetes exist, this specific approach focusing on the relationship between diabetes and arrhythmia substrates in the context of catheter ablation is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing their 1st radiofrequency-guided catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
* Diabetes mellitus
* Able to understand and willing to sign the Informed Consent Form.
* Age ≥18 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication for DE-MRI with a full dose of gadolinium-based contrast agent.
* Previous left atrial ablation or surgical procedure
* Women currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or of childbearing age not currently taking or not willing to use a reliable form of contraception
* Mental or physical inability to take part in the study
* Morbid obesity (BMI \> 35), or inability to be placed in MRI due to body mass.

Where this trial is running

Bad Oeynhausen

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 FibrillationArrhythmias, CardiacHeart DiseasesCardiovascular DiseasesPathologic Processes
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.