Preventing Atrial Fibrillation with Botulinum Toxin Injections

Prevention of Post-operative Atrial Fibrillation by BOTulinum Toxin Injections Into Epicardial Fat Pads Around Pulmonary Veins in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery"

Phase 3 Interventional Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris · NCT04075981

This study is testing whether botulinum toxin injections can help prevent atrial fibrillation in patients having heart surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment220 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorAssistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris Academic / other
Locations9 sites (Issy-les-Moulineaux, France and 8 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04075981 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the use of botulinum toxin injections to prevent atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of this intervention in reducing the incidence of postoperative AF, which is a common complication following such surgeries. By targeting the epicardial fat pads and suppressing ganglionic plexi activity, the researchers hypothesize that botulinum toxin may provide antiarrhythmic effects and reduce the need for additional medications. The trial will involve a randomized multicenter approach, enrolling patients who meet specific eligibility criteria.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 80 who are scheduled for cardiac surgery and are in stable condition with sinus rhythm.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of previous cardiac surgery, persistent atrial fibrillation, or those requiring specific antiarrhythmic treatments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been limited research on the use of botulinum toxin in cardiology, a pilot study has shown promising results, indicating potential for this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Indication for cardiac surgery (CABG, aortic valve repair or aortic valve replacement excluding the sutureless valve, ascending aorta surgery), according to the European Heart Association guidelines.
* Patients in hemodynamically stable condition.
* Sinus rhythm at moment of randomisation (ECG).
* Age: ≥18 to ≤80 years old.
* Negative serum or urinary β-hCG for women of child-bearing potential.
* Patients able to attend several consultations at the centre.
* Informed consent signed.
* Affiliation to French social security regime.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous cardiac surgery.
* Persistent AF or atrial tachycardia.
* Planned maze procedure or pulmonary vein (PV) isolation.
* Use of class I or III antiarrhythmic drugs within 5 elimination half-life of the drug (for amiodarone: one year).
* Mitral or tricuspid valve surgery.
* Congenital cardiomyopathy.
* Neuro-muscular disease (including disorders of pre-operative swallowing).
* Protected populations e.g. minor patient, breastfeeding women, patients under legal guardianship, curatorship or legal protection. .
* Participation in another interventional trial.
* Unwillingness to participate.
* Contraindications to botulinum toxin under investigation or to the excipients: known hypersensitivity.
* Patient with active endocarditis Minimal invasive surgery (ministernotomy)

Where this trial is running

Issy-les-Moulineaux, France and 8 other locations

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.
Conditions Cardiac SurgeryXeomin®BotoxBotulinumAtrial FibrillationCardiac surgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.