Mapping the causes of new-onset atrial fibrillation after heart surgery

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 observational study aims to identify the specific locations of foci and rotors that maintain new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) following cardiac surgery. Utilizing non-invasive phase mapping technology, the study will employ a 252-electrode vest and low-dose computed tomography scans to map these structures. By pinpointing the origins of NOAF, the research seeks to inform potential preventive strategies such as preoperative or perioperative ablation. The study will focus on patients who develop NOAF within the first week post-surgery.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Cardiac surgery
* Signed informed consent by patient or next of kin

Mapping inclusion criteria

* NOAF within the first seven postoperative days (168 hours) after cardiac surgery developing on the cardiac surgery ward, intermediate care unit or the intensive care unit of the University Hospital Basel. ICU admission will be set as starting point for observation time.

General Exclusion Criteria:

Preoperative conditions:

* History of previous left atrial ablation
* History of cardioembolic stroke
* History of amiodarone treatment within three months
* Any documented history of atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter before surgery
* Left ventricular ejection fraction \<40%
* Patient included into other study with radiation exposure

Perioperative conditions

* Perioperative mechanical circulatory support (e.g., intraaortic balloon pump; extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; left ventricular assist device (e.g. Impella, Abiomed Inc., Aachen, Germany)

Mapping exclusion criteria

* Heart rate ≥ 50 bpm AND contraindication to adenosine.

Contraindications to adenosine:

* Allergy/intolerance to adenosine
* History of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD Gold IV)(28)
* History of asthma
* History of Long-QT syndrome
* Hemodynamically unstable patients (margin of discretion of the attending physician)

Where it's running

• University Hospital St. Pölten
  Sankt Pölten, Austria Recruiting
• Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Basel
  Basel, Switzerland Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: David Santer, Dr. med. — Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Basel
• Study coordinator: David Santer, Dr. med.
• Email: david.santer@usb.ch
• Phone: +41 61 32 85818

Similar studies

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

• Assessing stroke risk in patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation

  This study is testing how to identify stroke risk in people who have just been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation to see who might need blood-thinning medication to prevent strokes.

  Recruiting University of Southern Denmark · Esbjerg, Region Syddanmark · NCT06949319

• Investigating the effects of Empagliflozin on heart function after unexplained strokes

  This study is testing if the medication Empagliflozin can help improve heart function and prevent future strokes in people who have had unexplained strokes.

  Recruiting Phase 2/3 University of East Anglia · Cambridge, Cambridgeshire · NCT06715449

• Short-term treatment with amiodarone for new atrial fibrillation after heart surgery

  This study is testing whether a short-term treatment with amiodarone can help people who develop new atrial fibrillation after heart surgery feel better and keep their heart rhythm stable.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Phase 3 Population Health Research Institute · Hamilton, Ontario and 1 other locations · NCT05841056

• Understanding new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients with heart attacks

  This study is trying to see how new-onset atrial fibrillation affects heart attack patients and if it can help guide their treatment after they leave the hospital.

  Recruiting at 5 sites Shanghai 10th People's Hospital · Kaifeng, Henan and 4 other locations · NCT04528511

• Using magnesium to prevent new atrial fibrillation in critically ill patients

  This study is testing if giving magnesium to critically ill patients in the ICU can help prevent new cases of atrial fibrillation.

  Recruiting Phase 4 Queen's University · Hamilton, Ontario and 3 other locations · NCT05829317

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.