Using empagliflozin to prevent post-operative atrial fibrillation after heart surgery

Evaluating the Role of EMpagliflozin on the Rate of Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: a Double-blind Placebo-controlled Randomized Clinical Trial

Phase 3 Interventional Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center · NCT06124937

This study is testing if the medication empagliflozin can help prevent heart rhythm problems after heart surgery in adults.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment492 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorRajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Tehran and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06124937 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, in reducing the incidence of post-operative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The study is a phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 492 adult patients who will be randomly assigned to receive either empagliflozin or a placebo starting three days before their surgery. Participants will be monitored for atrial fibrillation using 24-hour ECG monitoring during their hospital stay. The trial is conducted at two major cardiology hospitals in Tehran.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients aged 18 and older who are scheduled for elective isolated CABG surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of diabetes, atrial fibrillation, or other specified health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce the occurrence of post-operative atrial fibrillation, improving recovery outcomes for patients undergoing heart surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in various contexts, but this specific application in post-operative atrial fibrillation is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria

* Adult patients (≥18 years) who are candidates for isolated CABG
* Patients who provided written informed consent and are willing to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

* History of type Ⅰ or Ⅱ diabetes mellitus
* History of ketoacidosis
* History of atrial fibrillation or flutter
* History of recurrent UTI
* SGLT2I or any other oral hypoglycemic medications used due to other indications
* Patients with acute kidney injury (45)
* Severe hepatic disease (Child-Pugh score C)
* Patients with Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) \< 30 mL/min/1.73m2
* Patients who are candidates for emergent CABG
* Patients with unstable hemodynamic state
* Patients with positive urine culture, urinary symptoms (frequency, dysuria, hesitancy), and asymptomatic bacteriuria
* Patients who are enrolled in other clinical trials
* Patients with a history of drug-sensitive reactions to SGLT2I
* Pregnancy or lactation

Where this trial is running

Tehran and 1 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 Post-operative Atrial FibrillationCABGAtrial FibrillationCardiac surgeryEmpagliflozinPost-operative AFSGLT2 inhibitors
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.