Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 85

Pulsed field ablation versus cryoballoon ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation

Official title: Pulsed Field Ablation vs. Cryoballoon Ablation in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

Run by Kitasato University · NCT07064616 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study will test whether pulsed field ablation or cryoballoon ablation better restores and keeps a normal heart rhythm in adults with persistent atrial fibrillation.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
Enrollment300 (estimated)
SponsorKitasato University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Sagamihara, Kanagawa)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJune 25, 2025
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2027
Study endsDecember 31, 2028
Registry record updatedAugust 26, 2025
Trial IDNCT07064616 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults aged 18–85 with persistent atrial fibrillation lasting less than one year or requiring cardioversion who are eligible for catheter ablation under Japanese guidelines and can give informed consent.

Probably not a fit

People with paroxysmal AF, long-standing persistent AF longer than one year, or those who are not candidates for catheter ablation are unlikely to benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Adults with persistent atrial fibrillation who are eligible for catheter ablation will undergo ablation using either pulsed field ablation or cryoballoon ablation and will be followed for rhythm outcomes and safety. The trial enrolls patients aged 18–85 whose persistent AF has lasted less than one year or required cardioversion, following current Japanese guidelines. Key measurements include recurrence of atrial fibrillation, procedure-related complications, and symptom improvement over scheduled follow-up visits. The study is conducted at Kitasato University School of Medicine with collaborating regional hospitals in Kanagawa, Japan.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify a safer or more effective ablation method to reduce AF recurrence and symptoms for people with persistent AF.

How similar studies have gone: Cryoballoon ablation is an established technique and early studies of pulsed field ablation show promising safety and effectiveness, but direct comparisons in persistent AF remain limited.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 85 years
* Diagnosed with PeAF (lasting less than one year or requiring cardioversion)
* Eligible for catheter ablation according to current Japanese guidelines
* Provided written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Paroxysmal or long-standing persistent AF (duration \>1 year)

Where it's running

  • Kitasato University School of Medicine
    Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.