New heart ablation method aims to beat atrial fibrillation

NCT ID NCT04101539

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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.

ATRIAL FIBRILLATION CHRONIC

Contacts and locations

Locations

Johns Hopkins Hospital

Baltimore, Maryland, 21287, United States

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