As patients age, symptom control and treatment of atrial fibrillation become equally difficult, often leading to increased hospitalization. ABLATE versus PACE is a prospective, randomized clinical trial comparing pacemaker implantation with AV node ablation with pulmonary vein isolation in terms of rehospitalization and quality of life in patients with persistent AF aged 75 years and older.
Who can participate
Age range
75 Years – 99 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:
* Persistent AF according to current ESC guideline (2020)
* Symptoms EHRA classification II - IV despite guideline indicated medical therapy
* Age ≥ 75 years
* Capability of giving written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* impaired systolic left ventricular function (ejection fraction \< 50%)
* High-grade (III°) left cardiac valvular disease
* pre-implanted pacemaker
* bradycardia-indication for pacemaker
* Surgical coronary revascularization (within the last 90 days) or current triple therapy after stent PCI
* contraindication for PVI or pacemaker-implantation
* contraindication for oral anticoagulation
* body-mass-index BMI \> 40 kg/m2
* inability to give written informed consent
* concomitant participation in another registered trial
* life expectancy \< 12 months
* reversible cause of AF (e.g. thyrotoxicosis, alcohol ingestion)
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
Number of subjects with any hospitalization due to atrial fibrillation, atrial tachycardia or flutter after blanking period or cardiac decompensation requiring inpatient treatment
Timeframe: 36 months
2
Number of subjects requiring repeat ablation, electrical or pharmacological cardioversion for symptomatic relapse of atrial fibrillation, atrial tachycardia or flutter after blanking period
Timeframe: 36 months
3
Number of subjects requiring upgrade to cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker due to reduced systolic left ventricular function with ejection fraction ≤35% in "ablate-and-pace" group