Personalized AF ablation guided by non-invasive global mapping
Official title: Personalized Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Guided by Non-Invasive Global Mapping - the CURE-AF Pilot Study
Run by German Heart Institute · NCT07320560 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether using a non-invasive global mapping system to guide personalized additional ablation after standard pulmonary vein isolation helps people with persistent atrial fibrillation and enlarged left atria have fewer recurrences.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | German Heart Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Berlin and 4 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07320560 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are ablation‑naïve adults with persistent atrial fibrillation who have evidence of left atrial enlargement and are suitable for catheter ablation.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with prior cardiac ablation, significant left ventricular dysfunction (LVEF <35%), severe renal failure, prior stroke/TIA, or skin conditions that preclude non‑invasive mapping are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot interventional study enrolls ablation‑naïve patients with persistent atrial fibrillation and left atrial enlargement who are scheduled for catheter ablation. All participants undergo standard empirical pulmonary vein isolation followed by personalized targeting of up to three additional atrial regions identified by the temporal Stability of local Atrial High‑Rate Activity (SAHRA) using a non‑invasive global mapping system (Acorys). Selected regions with stable high‑rate activity are isolated or homogenized according to a predefined 15‑segment bi‑atrial model, with conventional intracardiac mapping used to guide ablation delivery. Participants are followed at 3, 6, and 12 months to record acute termination rates, arrhythmia recurrence, and safety signals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce AF recurrence by identifying and targeting patient‑specific arrhythmia sources beyond standard pulmonary vein isolation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small studies using electrocardiographic imaging and targeted ablation have shown mixed but promising signals, making this personalized non‑invasive mapping approach novel yet grounded in preliminary data.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Ablation-naïve patients with: 1. Persistent AF planned for catheter ablation plus 2. Left atrial enlargement (LA diameter ≥45 mm or LA volume index ≥35ml/m2 or LA area ≥20 cm2) Exclusion Criteria: * Previous cardiac ablation * Age \<18 years * Pregnancy or lactation * Previous stroke/TIA * Severe left ventricular dysfunction (LVEF \<35%) * Renal failure (GFR \<30 ml/min) * Dermal disease or hypersensitivity predisposing for skin irritation or exanthema
Where it's running
-
German Heart Center of the Charité, Charité University Hospital Berlin
Berlin, Germany Recruiting -
Frankfurt University Heart and Vascular Center
Frankfurt am Main, Germany Not yet recruiting -
Central Lisbon University Hospital Centre (CHULC), Hospital de Santa Marta
Lisbon, Portugal Not yet recruiting -
Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain Not yet recruiting -
Gregorio Marañón General University Hospital
Madrid, Spain Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Till F Althoff, M.D. — German Heart Center of the Charitè, Berlin, Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine
- Study coordinator: Till F Althoff, M.D.
- Email: till.althoff@dhzc-charite.de
- Phone: 0049 30 450613163
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.