New Imaging-Guided ablation aims to stop stubborn AFib
NCT ID NCT02184013
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tests whether using advanced imaging (ECGI, MRI, and PET scans) to identify abnormal heart tissue and electrical circuits can improve catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation. Fifty-two adults with persistent AF who have not had prior ablation will receive a tailored procedure. The main goal is to see if this approach can stop AF during the procedure and reduce recurrence afterward.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- catheter ablation guided by ECGI mapping and atrial fibrosis mapping (DE-MRI)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could improve success rates for catheter ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation, reducing recurrence.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot study (52 participants) with no control group, so results may not be generalizable. The procedure carries standard risks of catheter ablation, such as bleeding or heart damage.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PERSISTENT 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
Locations
-
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 4W7, Canada
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can a cholesterol drug keep atrial fibrillation at bay after ablation?
- Which ablation method best tames persistent AF? a Head-to-Head trial aims to find out
- Extra ablation target may cut AF recurrence in persistent cases
- New heart ablation tech under scrutiny: can it tame dangerous rhythms?
- New 3D heart imaging could sharpen ablation precision
- More zaps, better rhythm? trial tests extra ablations for AFib