Apple watch vs. medical monitor: which better detects hidden heart rhythm problems?
NCT ID NCT07122947
First seen Sep 08, 2026 · Last updated Sep 09, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether the Apple Watch's AFib History feature can accurately measure the amount of time spent in atrial fibrillation after a type of heart surgery called the Cox-Maze IV procedure. Researchers will compare the watch's readings to those from a standard medical device, the Zio Patch, which records the heart's rhythm continuously for 14 days. About 75 adults with atrial fibrillation who are having mitral valve surgery along with the maze procedure will wear both devices at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The goal is to see if the watch can reliably detect hidden or silent episodes of irregular heartbeat, which could make follow-up care easier for patients.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Apple Watch AFib History feature and Zio Patch continuous ECG monitor
- What this could lead to
- If the Apple Watch proves accurate, patients could monitor their heart rhythm at home after surgery, reducing the need for repeated clinic visits and improving long-term care.
- What could go wrong
- The trial is small and early, and the Apple Watch may not match the Zio Patch's precision. Also, the watch requires an iPhone, which may limit who can use it.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 75 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jun 2025
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Adult patients (\>22 years) with a documented history of atrial fibrillation and mitral valve disease who undergo surgical ablation with a Cox-Maze IV concomitant to elective mitral valve surgery.
- Ages
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22 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * 22 years of age or older * Documented or current history of atrial fibrillation (paroxysmal, persistent, or long-standing persistent) * Undergoing elective mitral valve surgery (repair or replacement) with concomitant surgical ablation using a Cox-Maze IV lesion set and left atrial appendage occlusion procedure, with and without concomitant tricuspid valve procedure (repair or replacement) * Use or access to Apple iPhone * Willing and able to provide informed consent and wear both the Apple Watch and Zio Patch at pre-specified intervals for the duration of the study period * Willing and able to participate in long-term follow up including study visits and surveys Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of a cardiac pacemaker * Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (\<40%) * Concomitant aortic valve replacement or coronary artery bypass graft * Personal or family history of adhesive skin allergies to adhesives or hydrogels * Tattoos located on the skin of the wrist or forearm where the Apple Watch will be placed * Pregnancy
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
2 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Cleveland Clinic
RECRUITINGCleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States
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Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
RECRUITINGSt Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
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- Can a blood test reveal why atrial fibrillation returns after cryoablation?
- Can broken supply chains delay heart procedures? a new study investigates