Freeze or pills? new study battles persistent AF
NCT ID NCT03716934
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compared two treatments for persistent atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat): cryoablation (freezing tiny areas of heart tissue) and antiarrhythmic drugs. 196 patients were randomly assigned to one treatment and monitored for over a year. The goal was to see which approach better prevents heart rhythm problems and major complications like stroke or heart attack.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
cryoablation (freezing heart tissue) or antiarrhythmic drugs
What this could lead to
If cryoablation proves safer or more effective than drugs, it could become a preferred treatment for persistent atrial fibrillation, reducing symptoms and complications.
What could go wrong
This is a completed Phase 4 trial with 196 patients, so results are limited. Cryoablation carries risks like stroke, heart damage, or need for a pacemaker, and may not work for everyone.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ATRIAL FIBRILLATION are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Fundacion para Investigación Biomedica Hospital Clinico San Carlos
Madrid, Madrid, 28040, Spain