Improving quality of life for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of electrical cardioversion on the quality of life in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Participants will undergo a 4-week pre-cardioversion phase for medical optimization, including anticoagulation and rate-control medications. They will then be randomized to receive either actual cardioversion or a sham procedure, with outcomes assessed through questionnaires and activity monitoring. The aim is to determine if restoring normal heart rhythm can alleviate symptoms associated with AF.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients age ≥ 18 years
* Persistent atrial fibrillation
* Unknown symptom burden related to AF

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known left-atrial appendage thrombus
* Prior catheter or surgical ablation for AF
* Intolerance or contraindication to Amiodarone
* Contraindication to appropriate anticoagulation
* Patient is included in another randomized clinical trial
* Patient is unable or unwilling to provide informed consent
* Patient with a history of noncompliance with medical therapy
* Patient does not meet all of the above listed inclusion criteria
* Pregnancy (all women of child bearing age and potential will have a negative BHCG test before enrolment)
* Breastfeeding
* Patients for whom the investigator believes that the trial is not in the interest of the patient

Where it's running

• Southlake Health
  Newmarket, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
• University of Ottawa Heart Institute
  Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: David Birnie, MD — Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation
• Study coordinator: Tammy Knight
• Email: tknight@ottawaheart.ca
• Phone: 613-696-7000

Similar studies

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

• AI-based tools to help diagnose, treat and predict stroke outcomes across multiple hospitals

  This study tests AI-powered tools on real-world stroke patients to see if they can improve pre-hospital triage, diagnosis, and outcome prediction while data stay securely within each hospital.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron Research Institute · Leuven and 6 other locations · NCT07924371

• Left-atrial Fibrosis in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation and Its Comorbidities

  This study tests how comorbid conditions like sleep apnea and primary aldosteronism relate to left-atrial fibrosis and AF recurrence in patients undergoing ablation.

  Recruiting University Hospital Augsburg · Augsburg, Bavaria · NCT07857044

• Dual Energy ablation with SmartTouch SF catheter in persistent atrial fibrillation

  This study tests a pulsed field and radiofrequency ablation system to treat persistent atrial fibrillation in adults who have not responded well to prior medications.

  Recruiting at 4 sites Biosense Webster, Inc. · Beijing and 3 other locations · NCT07845682

• Identifying AF patients who may need more than standard ablation using Volta AF-Xplorer II

  This trial tests whether AI-identified dispersion areas during AF ablation can predict recurrence after a standard pulmonary vein isolation in patients with persistent AF.

  Recruiting Volta Medical · Avignon and 4 other locations · NCT07807423

• 4D intracardiac echocardiography to guide left atrial appendage occlusion procedures

  A new 4D ICE catheter is being tested alongside standard imaging to see if it can safely guide left atrial appendage occlusion procedures for adults with atrial fibrillation.

  Recruiting The Cleveland Clinic · Cleveland, Ohio · NCT07806890

• Thoracoscopic vs Catheter Ablation as the First Rhythm Control in Atrial Fibrillation with a Large Left Atrium

  This trial tests whether thoracoscopic surgical ablation is better at keeping atrial fibrillation under control than catheter ablation in people with persistent AF and a large left atrium who have not had an ablation before.

  Recruiting Samsung Medical Center · Seoul, Seoul · NCT07783984

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.