Heart rhythm showdown: which ablation technique builds better scar?
NCT ID NCT06220006
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study compares two procedures—pulsed field ablation and cryoballoon ablation—for treating atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat). About 104 people having their first ablation will be randomly assigned to one method. The goal is to see which technique creates better scar tissue around the lung veins, as seen on a heart MRI 3 months later, to improve heart rhythm control.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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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
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About 104 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Nov 2023
- Expected to finish
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Nov 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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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
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients scheduled for first-time atrial fibrillation catheter ablation Exclusion Criteria: * age \<18 years * long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation * prior left atrial ablation * pregnancy or lactation * reduced left ventricular ejection fraction * GFR \<30% * BMI \>35% * left atrial diameter \>55 mm * cardiac implantable electronic device
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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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
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona
RECRUITINGBarcelona, Catalonia, 08036, Spain
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Two ways to catch a hidden heart rhythm after stroke
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