Heart showdown: which procedure boosts CRT best for AF and heart failure?
NCT ID NCT04664686
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study is testing two different procedures—AF catheter ablation and AV node ablation—in 70 people who have heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and a CRT device that isn't pacing enough. The goal is to see which procedure better improves heart function and quality of life after 6 months. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two procedures and followed with echocardiograms and clinical checks.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- AF catheter ablation or AV node ablation
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could show which procedure better restores heart function and quality of life in people with heart failure and atrial fibrillation who already have a CRT device.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 70 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Both procedures carry risks such as bleeding, infection, or heart rhythm problems.
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
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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 70 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Oct 2021
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2027
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 to 85 years
- 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: * Ability to provide informed consent to participate and willing to comply with the clinical investigation plan and follow-up schedule. * QRS duration \>120ms on surface ECG, severe left ventricular systolic impairment (EF≤35%) and clinical symptoms of heart failure despite optimum medical therapy (NYHA class II-IV) at time of CRT implant or upgrade * Successful CRT implant or upgrade including atrial lead * Biventricular pacing percentage \<95% secondary to atrial fibrillation at least 3 months post implant or upgrade * Clinically indicated for AV node ablation Exclusion Criteria: * Life expectancy \<1 year * Presence of atrial or ventricular thrombus * Permanent atrial fibrillation * Mechanical aortic valve replacement * Severe peripheral vascular disease * Female participants who are pregnant, lactating or planning pregnancy during the course of the study. * Participation in other studies with active treatment / investigational arm
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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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Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
RECRUITINGLondon, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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