A tiny surgical step might stop a common heart rhythm problem after bypass

NCT ID NCT07755072

Prevention Sponsor: Peking University Third Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 10, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether cutting out a small fibrous structure called the Ligament of Marshall during minimally invasive heart bypass surgery can prevent new-onset atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) that often occurs after the operation. The study will include 628 adults aged 18-80 who are scheduled for this type of bypass surgery. Half will receive the standard procedure, and half will also have the Ligament of Marshall removed, with researchers monitoring for any episodes of atrial fibrillation during their hospital stay.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Excision of the Ligament of Marshall during minimally invasive cardiac surgery-coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS-CABG)
What this could lead to: If successful, this simple surgical step could become a standard part of minimally invasive bypass surgery, reducing the risk of post-operative atrial fibrillation and its complications like stroke and heart failure.
What could go wrong: The trial is still in progress, and results are not yet known. The procedure may not significantly lower AFib risk, and as with any surgery, there are inherent risks such as bleeding or infection.

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

Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

Not a phased trial

Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.

Participants

About 628 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Expected to start

Jul 2026

An estimate. Start dates often move.

Expected to finish

Jan 2028

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

18 to 80 years

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18-80 years; * Coronary artery lesions meeting the indications for surgical revascularization, with planned MICS-CABG; * Signed an informed consent form agreeing to participate in the study; Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with preoperative hemodynamic instability requiring emergency surgery; * History of paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation prior to surgery; * Echocardiographic left atrial anteroposterior diameter (APD) ≥ 60 mm; * Patients with ejection fraction (EF) \< 40%, left ventricular diastolic dimension (LVDD) \> 60 mm, left ventricular aneurysm, or severe arrhythmia who are at high risk of intraoperative hemodynamic instability; * Patients with concomitant mitral stenosis or regurgitation of moderate severity or greater; * Patients undergoing concurrent valve surgery or other intracardiac corrective procedures; * Patients with a history of renal insufficiency; * Patients receiving intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circulatory support preoperatively; * Patients taking antiarrhythmic drugs other than beta-blockers prior to surgery, such as propafenone or amiodarone; * History of cardiac or thoracic surgery; * Poor pulmonary function, with a preoperative arterial blood gas analysis oxygen partial pressure (PaO₂) \< 60 mmHg at rest without oxygen supplementation; * Patients with a preoperative pacemaker implant;

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

coronary artery disorder atrial fibrillation prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Postoperative atrial fibrillation

How to take part

Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.

The places running it

1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
The official record

ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.

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A doctor treating you

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A tiny surgical step might stop a common heart rhythm problem after bypass

What the study statuses mean