Heart surgery plus ablation: a One-Two punch against stubborn AFib?

NCT ID NCT03546374

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether using a special radiofrequency ablation device during open-heart surgery can safely stop persistent atrial fibrillation (AFib). About 160 people with long-lasting AFib who need heart surgery for other reasons will receive the ablation. The goal is to see if the procedure can restore normal heart rhythm without major complications.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Irrigated radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation devices

What this could lead to

If successful, this could provide a safe and effective way to treat persistent atrial fibrillation during open-heart surgery, potentially reducing the need for long-term medication.

What could go wrong

This is a mid-stage study with only 160 participants, and the procedure carries risks like bleeding, stroke, or heart damage. Results may not apply to all patients.

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.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Adventist Health St. Helena

    WITHDRAWN

    St. Helena, California, 94574, United States

  • Allegheny General Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15212, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • Corewell Health

    RECRUITING

    Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • Hartford Healthcare

    COMPLETED

    Hartford, Connecticut, 06102, United States

  • Intermountain Medical Center

    COMPLETED

    Murray, Utah, 84107, United States

  • Lankenau Medical Center

    COMPLETED

    Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, 19096, United States

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • ProMedica Toledo

    COMPLETED

    Toledo, Ohio, 43606, United States

  • Sentara Norfolk General Hospital

    COMPLETED

    Norfolk, Virginia, 23507, United States

  • St Vincent Heart Center of Indiana

    RECRUITING

    Indianapolis, Indiana, 46290, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • St. Joseph Medical Center

    WITHDRAWN

    Tacoma, Washington, 98405, United States

  • Stanford Hospitals and Clinic

    COMPLETED

    Palo Alto, California, 94304, United States

  • Swedish Medical Center

    RECRUITING

    Seattle, Washington, 98122, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • Virginia Mason Heart Institute

    RECRUITING

    Seattle, Washington, 98101, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • Washington University School of Medicine

    RECRUITING

    St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••