Using radiofrequency ablation to prevent atrial fibrillation after heart surgery

Prophylactic Radiofrequency Left Atrial Posterior Wall Isolation (box Lesion Ablation) to Prevent Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery (PROBOX): a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Yudin Hospital · NCT06823778

This study is testing if a special heart procedure can help prevent new cases of atrial fibrillation in patients after they have heart surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment216 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorYudin Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Moscow, Moscow)
Trial IDNCT06823778 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates whether epicardial radiofrequency left atrial posterior wall isolation, also known as box lesion ablation, can effectively prevent postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the ablation procedure or no ablation during their cardiac surgery. The study aims to determine if this approach reduces the incidence of de-novo atrial fibrillation requiring treatment after surgery. Data will be collected during the hospital stay and followed up with participants 30 days post-surgery to assess outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients scheduled for cardiac surgery who can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of atrial fibrillation or those undergoing minimally invasive or emergency surgeries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the occurrence of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery, leading to better patient outcomes and shorter hospital stays.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have explored radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation but have faced limitations; this study aims to provide a more robust evaluation of a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All patients undergoing cardiac surgery by a single surgeon (V.K.)
* Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of atrial fibrillation/flutter
* Minimally invasive approach
* Off-pump surgery
* Emergent/salvage surgery
* Severe pericardial adhesions

Where this trial is running

Moscow, Moscow

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 Postoperative Atrial FibrillationRadiofrequency AblationBox Lesion AblationProphylactic Ablation
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.