New heart ablation method aims to beat atrial fibrillation

NCT ID NCT04101539

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether adding a personalized, computer-model-guided ablation (OPTIMA) to the standard pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) procedure improves outcomes for people with persistent atrial fibrillation. 67 participants were randomly assigned to receive either PVI alone or PVI plus OPTIMA ablation. The goal was to see if the extra ablation could increase the chance of staying free from atrial arrhythmias for one year.

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 (OPTIMA-guided)

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could improve the success rate of ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation, reducing the need for repeat procedures.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase study (67 participants) and prior similar strategies have failed to show benefit. Results may not be generalizable.

Disclaimer Read more

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 PERSISTENT ATRIAL FIBRILLATION are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

atrial fibrillation persistent atrial fibrillation

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Johns Hopkins Hospital

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21287, United States