nano-second pulsed field (nsPFA) catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation using the CellFX system
Safety and Effectiveness of the CellFX® nsPFA Catheter Endocardial Ablation System for the Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
The study will try the CellFX nano-second pulsed field catheter to treat adults with recurrent, drug-resistant paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 215 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Pulse Biosciences, Inc. Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 1 site (Prague, Roentgenova) |
| Trial ID | NCT07018596 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, multicenter, non-randomized clinical investigation of the CellFX nano-second pulsed field ablation system in adults with symptomatic, drug-resistant paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Eligible participants who are clinically indicated for catheter ablation will undergo nsPFA pulmonary vein isolation using the CellFX catheter. Safety and effectiveness endpoints, including recurrence of AF, will be assessed at six months after the procedure. The protocol excludes patients with markedly enlarged left atria or recent major cardiac events, and procedures are performed at participating hospital sites.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–85 with recurrent symptomatic paroxysmal AF who have failed at least one antiarrhythmic drug and are suitable candidates for catheter ablation (left atrial diameter <5.5 cm) are ideal.
Not a fit: People with persistent AF, a left atrial diameter ≥5.5 cm, recent cardiac surgery, recent myocardial infarction, or other recent major cardiac procedures are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, nsPFA with CellFX could offer a non-thermal ablation option that achieves durable pulmonary vein isolation with potentially fewer collateral injuries and shorter procedure times.
How similar studies have performed: Broad pulsed field ablation techniques have shown promising safety and efficacy in recent trials, but nano-second PFA using the CellFX system is a newer approach with limited published clinical data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * A diagnosis of recurrent drug-resistant symptomatic paroxysmal AF defined as AF that terminates spontaneously or with intervention within seven (7) days of onset, documented by the following: i. Physician's note indicating the presence of AF symptoms and at least two (2) episodes of self-terminating AF within six (6) months prior to enrollment * Age 18 through 85 years old (or older than 18 if required by local law) * Failure of at least one AAD (class I or III) for AF as evidenced by recurrence of symptomatic AF, or intolerable side effects due to AAD. * Participant is willing and capable of providing Informed Consent * Received a standard cardiac work up and is an appropriate candidate for an investigational procedure as determined by study investigators Exclusion Criteria: * Left atrial diameter ≥5.5 cm (anteroposterior) * Any of the following within 3 months prior to enrollment: 1. Any cardiac surgery 2. Myocardial infarction 3. Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) / Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PTCA) or coronary artery stenting 4. Unstable angina 5. Pericarditis or symptomatic pericardial effusion * Any of the following within 6 months prior to enrollment: 1. Any cerebral ischemic event (stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) 2. History of thromboembolic event * Prior history of medical procedure involving instrumentation of the left atrium (previous ablation, atrial septal defect (ASD) closure, Left atrial appendage occlusion) * Planned Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) closure procedure, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), Mitraclip, Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) or Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) closure, Triclip or implant of an Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR), permanent pacemaker, biventricular pacemaker, or any implantable cardiac defibrillator (with or without biventricular pacing function) during or for any time during the follow-up period * Patient who is not on oral anticoagulation therapy for at least 3 weeks prior to the ablation procedure * Documented left atrial (LA) thrombus by imaging within 48 hours of the procedure. * Presence of a permanent pacemaker, biventricular pacemaker, or any type of implantable cardiac defibrillator (with or without biventricular pacing function). * Prior diagnosis of pulmonary vein stenosis * Valvular cardiac surgical/percutaneous procedure (e.g., ventriculotomy, atriotomy, and valve repair or replacement and presence of a prosthetic valve). * Moderate to severe mitral valve stenosis * More than moderate mitral regurgitation (i.e., 3+ or 4+ MR) * New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV congestive heart failure or documented left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than or equal to 35% measured by acceptable cardiac testing (e.g., TTE) * History of pulmonary hypertension with pulmonary systolic artery pressure \>50 mm Hg, severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or restrictive lung disease * Rheumatic heart disease * Contraindication to anticoagulation (i.e., Heparin, Dabigatran, Apixaban, Vitamin K Antagonists such as warfarin) * Active systemic infection * Hypertrophic or advanced infiltrative cardiomyopathy * Atrial myxoma * Known reversible causes of AF, including but not limited to uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, severe untreated obstructive sleep apnea, and acute alcohol toxicity * History of abnormal bleeding and/or clotting disorder * Renal insufficiency with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) \< 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, or any history of renal dialysis or renal transplant * History of severe chronic gastrointestinal problems involving the esophagus, stomach and/or untreated acid reflux * Solid organ or hematologic transplant, or currently being evaluated for an organ transplant * Any woman known to be pregnant or breastfeeding, or any woman of childbearing potential who is not on a reliable form of birth regulation method or abstinence * Other criteria, which the Investigator determines would make the patient unsuitable to participate (e.g. uncontrolled drug and/or alcohol addiction, congenital disease, fragility) * Body Mass Index (BMI) \> 40.0 * Participants with any other significant uncontrolled or unstable medical condition (such as uncontrolled brady-arrhythmias, ventricular arrhythmias, hyperthyroidism or significant coagulation disorder) * Life expectancy less than one year * Current or anticipated participation in any other clinical study of a drug, device, or biologic during the duration of the study not pre-approved by the Sponsor * Unwilling or unable to comply fully with study procedures and follow-up
Where this trial is running
Prague, Roentgenova
- Na Homolce Hospital — Prague, Roentgenova, Czechia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Micki Weisman
- Email: micki.weisman@pulsebiosciences.com
- Phone: 510-906-4649
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.