Reprocessed versus new ablation catheters for pulmonary vein isolation

Feasibility, Safety, Cost-effectiveness, and Environmental Impact of Reprocessed Ablation Catheters in Pulmonary Vein Isolation

NA · University Hospital Dubrava · NCT07389434

This will test whether re-sterilized (reprocessed) ablation catheters work as well and are as safe as new catheters for adults having pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital Dubrava (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Zagreb)
Trial IDNCT07389434 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective, randomized, controlled non-inferiority trial at a high-volume tertiary center comparing reprocessed and new electroporation ablation catheters for pulmonary vein isolation. Adult patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation scheduled for PVI are randomized 1:1 to undergo pulsed field ablation with either a new or a reprocessed catheter using identical procedural techniques. The study records procedure duration, ablation delivery metrics, fluoroscopy time and dose, catheter performance measures, peri- and post-procedural adverse events, and laboratory inflammation markers. It also compares costs and environmental impact metrics between the two approaches.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation who have an indication for pulmonary vein isolation and can give informed consent are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with severe valvular disease, significant structural heart disease that precludes pulsed field ablation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or life expectancy under 12 months are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If reprocessed catheters perform similarly to new ones, patients could benefit from lower procedure costs and reduced medical waste without loss of safety or effectiveness.

How similar studies have performed: Reprocessing of some medical devices has been studied previously, but randomized non-inferiority data specifically for reprocessed electroporation (PFA) ablation catheters are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation documented by ECG or Holter ECG monitoring
* Indication for pulmonary vein isolation according to current clinical guidelines
* Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe valvular heart disease
* Significant structural heart disease that precludes pulsed field ablation (PFA)
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Life expectancy \< 12 months

Where this trial is running

Zagreb

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Atrial Fibrillation, Catheter Ablation, Electroporation, Catheter Reprocessing, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Medical Waste, Environmental Impact

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.