Discerning Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Episodes Pre and Post Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial F… (NCT00745706) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Discerning Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Episodes Pre and Post Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Canada50 participantsStarted 2008-09
Plain-language summary
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a common heart rhythm problem that can be eliminated by a radiofrequency ablation procedure. The purpose of this study is to assess the amount of AF that occurs before and after an ablation procedure associated with symptoms versus AF that is not associated with any symptoms. This study will confirm whether patients' symptoms or lack of symptoms post-ablation correlate well with actual episodes of Atrial Fibrillation. This is important information for physicians to know as it will help guide patient care post-ablation in the future. Information on patients' AF episodes will be collected by an implantable loop recorder (ILR) which will be implanted in all study patients 3 months prior to their AF ablation procedure. The ILR will automatically collect information on detected AF episodes while patients will records any symptoms related to AF episodes in study diaries.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age \> 18 years old.
* First-time ablation procedure for AF.
* Symptomatic AF which has been refractory to at least one antiarrhythmic medication. "Symptomatic" patients should be patients who feel that they are aware of when they are in or out of AF. Symptoms may include palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, or other symptoms, or any combination of the symptoms listed above.
* Patients must have paroxysmal or persistent AF. Paroxysmal patients should have had at least 4 episodes of AF in the 6 months prior to assessment/ablation. Paroxysmal AF is defined as AF which spontaneously terminates within 7 days. Persistent AF is defined as AF which sustains for longer than 7 days, or AF lasting less than 7 days which requires either pharmacologic or electrical cardioversion.
* At least one episode of AF must have been documented by ECG or Holter within 12 months of inclusion in the study.
* No contraindication to systemic anticoagulation with heparin or coumadin.
* Patients must be able and willing to provide written informed consent to participate in the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients with permanent atrial fibrillation. Permanent AF is defined as chronic, persisting AF (typically more than 1 year) for which cardioversion (pharmacologic or electrical) has failed or will never be attempted.
* Patients with AF felt to be secondary to an obvious reversible cause.
* Patients with contraindications to systemic anticoagulation with hepari…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Incidence of asymptomatic versus symptomatic AF pre-ablation
Timeframe: 3 months
2
Incidence of asymptomatic versus symptomatic AF recurrence > 3months post-AF ablation in patients with "success" after ablation.
Timeframe: 30 months
3
Incidence of asymptomatic versus symptomatic AF recurrence > 3 months post-AF ablation in patients with "failure" after ablation
Timeframe: 30 months
Trial details
NCT IDNCT00745706
SponsorOttawa Heart Institute Research Corporation