Using an implantable cardiac monitor to detect atrial fibrillation in heart failure patients

Insertable Cardiac Monitor for Primary Atrial Fibrillation Detection in High-Risk Heart Failure Patients (ASSERT-AF)

Not applicable Interventional University of Rochester · NCT04818645

This study is testing whether an implantable heart monitor can help find undiagnosed atrial fibrillation in people with heart failure to improve their health and reduce the risk of serious complications.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment477 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Rochester Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rochester, New York)
Trial IDNCT04818645 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on patients with heart failure who are at high risk for undiagnosed atrial fibrillation, a condition that can lead to serious complications such as stroke. It involves the insertion of an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM) that provides long-term monitoring of heart rhythms remotely. The goal is to accurately assess the prevalence of atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias in this population, which is often overlooked by conventional monitoring methods. By identifying these conditions early, the study aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of stroke and mortality associated with atrial fibrillation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old with heart failure who have experienced recent exacerbations and are at risk for cardiac arrhythmias.

Not a fit: Patients who already have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, biventricular ICD, implantable cardiac monitor, or pacemaker will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to earlier detection of atrial fibrillation in heart failure patients, potentially reducing the risk of stroke and improving overall survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using implantable cardiac monitors for detecting atrial fibrillation, indicating that this approach is supported by previous research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male and female patients more than 18 years of age (no upper age limit)
* HF exacerbation requiring initiation or augmentation of decongestive therapy in a hospital setting (hospitalization or emergency department visit) during the past 24 calendar months prior to consent date OR current treatment with loop-diuretics (furosemide, bumetanide, or torsemide).
* LVEF \> 35% on a cardiac imaging study (echocardiogram, nuclear imaging, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging) performed during the past 24 calendar months prior to consent date
* One or more FDA-approved indications for an Abbott ICM (unexplained symptoms such as: dizziness, palpitations, chest pain, syncope, and shortness of breath, as well as patients who are at risk for cardiac arrhythmias).
* Willing to undergo an Abbott ICM implant and agree to remote ICM monitoring.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Existing implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), biventricular ICD, implantable cardiac monitor or pacemaker.
* Known or documented history AF or atrial flutter any time in past.
* Has had a heart transplant
* Participation in other clinical trials (observational registries are allowed with approval from the Coordination Center)
* Unable or unwilling to cooperate with the protocol
* Unable or unwilling to sign the consent for participation

Where this trial is running

Rochester, New York

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 Atrial FibrillationHeart FailureImplantable cardiac monitorAtrial fibrillationHeart failureRemote monitoringStroke
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.