Using CellFX technology to treat atrial fibrillation during cardiac surgery

Initial Safety and Performance of the CellFX® nsPFA™ Cardiac Surgery System for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation

Not applicable Interventional Pulse Biosciences, Inc. · NCT06355063

This study is testing a new technology during heart surgery to see if it can safely help people with atrial fibrillation by creating a barrier around their pulmonary veins.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorPulse Biosciences, Inc. Industry-sponsored
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations6 sites (Vienna and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06355063 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This feasibility study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the CellFX® nsPFA™ Cardiac Clamp in performing a box lesion around the pulmonary veins during cardiac surgery. It is a prospective, multicenter, single-arm, non-randomized study involving adult patients who are scheduled for concomitant cardiac surgical procedures. Participants will undergo specific ablation procedures and will return for follow-up assessments to evaluate the electrical isolation of the targeted areas. The study seeks to provide insights into the potential benefits of this innovative technology in managing atrial fibrillation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 85 with documented atrial fibrillation who are scheduled for non-emergent cardiac surgical procedures.

Not a fit: Patients with a life expectancy of less than one year or those not undergoing the specified cardiac procedures may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve outcomes for patients undergoing cardiac surgery by effectively managing atrial fibrillation.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in using ablation techniques during cardiac surgery, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subject must be between 18 and 85 years of age
* Subject is willing and capable of providing Informed Consent to undergo study procedures which includes surgical AF ablation and completing follow-up visits as specified in the clinical study protocol
* Subject has history of documented atrial fibrillation within one year prior to enrollment. Documentation may include ECG, transtelephonic monitor (TTM), holter monitor or telemetry strip
* Subject is scheduled to undergo non-emergent cardiac surgical procedure(s) to be performed on cardiopulmonary bypass including open-heart surgery for one or more of the following: Mitral valve repair or replacement, Aortic valve repair or replacement, Ascending aortic aneurysms, or Coronary artery bypass procedures
* Left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 30% (determined by echocardiography or cardiac catheterization performed within 60 days of enrollment as documented in patient medical history)
* Subject has a life expectancy of at least 5 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subject has an implantable electronic medical device. (i.e., pacemaker, ICD or CRT) or left atrial appendage device
* Subject has a prosthetic heart valve
* Stand-alone AF without indication(s) for concomitant Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) and/or valve surgery
* Previous surgical Maze procedure
* Prior cardiac surgery (Redo)
* Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome or other Supra-Ventricular arrhythmia, Atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentry
* Subjects requiring surgery other than CABG and/or cardiac valve surgery and/or atrial septal defect repair.
* Prior history of medical procedure involving instrumentation of the left atrium (e.g., previous ablation)
* Class IV New York Heart Association (NYHA) heart failure symptoms
* Prior history of cerebrovascular accident or TIA within 6 months or at any time if there is residual neurological deficit
* Documented ST-segment elevation Myocardial Infarction (MI) within the 6 weeks prior to study enrollment
* Need for emergent cardiac surgery (i.e., cardiogenic shock)
* Known carotid artery stenosis greater than 80%
* Current diagnosis of active systemic infection
* Severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease defined as claudication with minimal exertion
* Renal failure requiring dialysis or hepatic failure
* A known drug and/or alcohol addiction
* Mental impairment or other conditions which may not allow the subject to understand the nature, significance and scope of the study
* Pregnancy or desire to get pregnant within 12-months of the study treatment
* Preoperative need for an intra-aortic balloon pump or intravenous inotropes
* Subjects who have been treated with thoracic radiation
* Subjects in current chemotherapy
* Subjects on long term treatment with oral or injected steroids (not including intermittent use of inhaled steroids for respiratory diseases)
* Subjects with known hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
* Subjects with known cold agglutinin
* History of abnormal bleeding and/or clotting disorder
* Contraindication to anticoagulation (i.e., Heparin, Dabigatran, Apixaban, Vitamin K Antagonists such as warfarin)
* Solid organ or hematologic transplant, or currently being evaluated for an organ transplant
* Body mass index \> 40 kg/m2
* Use of any other investigational drug, therapy, or device within 30 days prior to enrollment or concurrent participation in another research study

Where this trial is running

Vienna and 5 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 Atrial FibrillationSurgeryAblation of Atrial FibrillationClamp StudyCellFXnsPFA Cardiac Surgery System
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.