Investigating arterial embolism after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

"Arterial EMBOLism After Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation (EMBOL AF)"

Hospital Universitario La Paz · NCT06134739

This study looks at how often strokes and other blood clots happen after a heart procedure called catheter ablation for people with atrial fibrillation to better understand these risks.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorHospital Universitario La Paz (other)
Locations1 site (Madrid)
Trial IDNCT06134739 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The EMBOL-AF is a multicenter, international observational study that aims to analyze the characteristics of systemic arterial embolic events following catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. This retrospective registry will focus on cerebral embolisms, particularly strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), which are significant complications of the procedure. Data will be collected from various centers regarding all cases of arterial embolism that occurred over the past five years, allowing for an assessment of incidence, management, and outcomes related to these events. The study seeks to address the underreporting of such complications and provide a clearer understanding of their frequency and impact.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients who have experienced systemic arterial embolism, such as stroke or TIA, following catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation or related conditions within the specified timeframe.

Not a fit: Patients whose embolic events can be clearly attributed to other causes unrelated to the ablation procedure may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management strategies and reduced incidence of embolic events in patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have reported varying incidences of embolic events after catheter ablation, indicating that while this area has been explored, the specific focus on comprehensive data collection in a multicenter registry is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Systemic arterial embolism (stroke, TIA or any other symptomatic event) after catheter ablation for AF or left atrial macroreentrant atrial tachycardia or left atrial flutter that have occurred between 1st january 2017 and 31st july 2023.
* The embolic event must be associated with the ablation procedure, therefore, it must have occurred during the procedure or during the first 7 days after it, during hospital stay or after discharge.

Exclusion Criteria:

* The embolic event that occurred during the first 7 days after the ablation procedure can be undoubtedly attributed to other causes, such as surgery (cardiac, aortic or carotidal) or percutaneous interventions (coronary, cardiac structural, aortic or carotidal).

Where this trial is running

Madrid

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Arrhythmia, Atrial Fibrillation, Ablation, Stroke, Acute, Stroke Sequelae, Embolism, Atrial fibrillation., Catheter ablation.

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.