Testing a new device for accessing the heart's surface

Epicardial Access Study With Rook (EASY-R)

NA · Circa Scientific, Inc. · NCT06388629

This study is testing a new device to see if it can safely and effectively help doctors reach the surface of the heart during a minimally invasive procedure.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCirca Scientific, Inc. (industry)
Locations1 site (Prague)
Trial IDNCT06388629 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness and safety of the Circa Scientific Rook® Epicardial Access Kit for gaining access to the epicardial surface of the heart using a minimally invasive subxiphoid approach. Participants will undergo a typical electrophysiology procedure where the device will be used to facilitate guidewire placement into the pericardial space. The study aims to confirm the device's safety and efficacy by comparing access success rates and adverse events with existing literature on similar procedures. The primary endpoint focuses on successful access to the pericardial space, while secondary endpoints include the speed of access and ease of use.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who require percutaneous access to the normal, non-distended pericardial space for an electrophysiology procedure.

Not a fit: Patients with recent cardiac surgery, severe heart failure, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the safety and effectiveness of procedures requiring access to the heart's surface, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is being tested in this trial, similar studies have shown varying success with alternative epicardial access methods.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patient is clinically indicated to undergo a procedure that requires percutaneous access to the normal, non-distended, pericardial space.
2. Patient is willing and able to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Subject is younger than 18 years of age
2. Previous cardiac surgery
3. Myocardial infarction within 4 weeks prior to procedure
4. Class IV NYHA (New York Heart Association) heart failure symptoms
5. Subject with an active systemic infection
6. Known carotid artery stenosis greater than 80%
7. Presence of thrombus in the left atrium
8. Congenital absence of a pericardium
9. Coagulopathy
10. Hemodynamic Instability
11. Acute conditions (i.e. electrolyte abnormality, acute ischemia, drug toxicity)
12. Severe hepatic dysfunction or enlargement
13. Subject has Body Mass Index \> 40
14. Life expectancy less than 6 months
15. Subject is pregnant
16. Subject is currently participating in another investigational drug or device study that clinically interferes with the endpoints of this study
17. Subject has known or suspected allergy to contrast media
18. Subject is known to have pericardial fibrosis, pericardial adhesions, or prior failed epicardial access

Where this trial is running

Prague

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: Arrythmia, Electrophysiology, Pericardial Access, Epicardial Access, EP

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.