Evaluation of the CIRCA Monitoring System in Prevention of Esophageal Lesions Following RFCA (NCT02467166) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Evaluation of the CIRCA Monitoring System in Prevention of Esophageal Lesions Following RFCA
United States40 participantsStarted 2015-06
Plain-language summary
The purpose of this study is to determine if the use of Circa™ temperature monitoring system during ablation procedures will reduce the risk of esophageal lesions or damage. Esophageal lesions caused by ablation could later develop into a potentially fatal atrio-esophageal fistula, which is hole between the upper chamber of the heart and the esophagus. Although development of atrio-esophageal fistula following atrial fibrillation ablation is extremely rare, the complication is severe and potentially life-threatening. Therefore, monitoring of esophageal temperatures has been adopted to prevent the development of esophageal lesions. The Circa™ temperature monitoring system allows cardiac electrophysiologists to monitor and thereby limit temperatures as well as duration of ablation in the esophagus throughout the procedure.
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:
* Must have atrial fibrillation and be scheduled for AF ablation, during which the Circa esophageal temperature probe will be used to guide ablation.
* Must give written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patient's refusal to participate in the study
* Any known esophageal disease or prior injury that would preclude esophagoscopy
* Any complications occuring during or after AF ablation that would result in esophagoscopy being an added significant risk to the patient beyond the known potential risks from the esophagoscopy
* Prior AF ablation
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.