New heart ablation method could be safer, trial aims to prove

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

Inclusion Criteria: * Paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation documented on a 12 lead electrocardiogram or Holter monitor (lasting ≥30 seconds) within the last 24 months. * Candidate for ablation based on current AF guidelines * Continuous anticoagulation with Vitamin-K-Antagonists or a non-vitamin K antagonist anticoagulant (NOAC) for ≥4 weeks prior to the ablation; or a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) and/or computed tomography (CT) that excludes left atrial thrombus ≤48 hours before ablation * Age of 18 years or older on the date of consent * Informed consent as documented by signature Exclusion Criteria: * History of left atrial (LA) ablation or surgery involving the LA * Persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) lasting longer than 12 months * AF resulting from temporary or reversible causes * Presence of thrombus within the heart chambers * Prior pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis or stenting * Existing paralysis of one side of the diaphragm * Known allergy or contraindication to anticoagulant medication or contrast agents * History of mitral valve surgery * Significant mitral valve disease * Myocardial infarction occurring within three months prior to informed consent * Current use of triple antithrombotic therapy * Cardiac surgery within the past three months or a scheduled cardiac surgery or TAVI * Major congenital heart abnormalities * Congestive heart failure classified as NYHA class III or IV * Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 35% * Diagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (wall thickness exceeding 1.7 cm) * Severe chronic kidney disease (eGFR below 30 ml/min) * Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism * Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) within three months before consent * Active systemic infections * History of cryoglobulinemia * Diagnosed cardiac amyloidosis * Current pregnancy * Estimated life expectancy under one year, as judged by the treating physician * Enrollment in another clinical study that may interfere with this trial's outcomes * Inability or unwillingness to adhere to study requirements and follow-up visits