Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Acupuncture for Preventing Atrial Arrhythmia Recurrence After Ablation

120 participantsStarted 2026-04-01

Plain-language summary

This study aims to evaluate whether acupuncture can reduce the recurrence of atrial arrhythmias after catheter ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. Catheter ablation is an effective treatment for atrial fibrillation, but recurrence remains common, especially in persistent cases. In this prospective, randomized, open-label trial, 120 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation who have undergone successful catheter ablation will be enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention group will receive acupuncture in addition to standard medical therapy, while the control group will receive standard medical therapy alone. Participants will be followed for 12 months. The primary outcome is the recurrence of atrial arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or atrial tachycardia. Secondary outcomes include cardiac structure and function, atrial fibrillation burden, and quality of life. This study will provide clinical evidence on whether acupuncture can be an effective adjunctive therapy to improve outcomes after catheter ablation.

Who can participate

Age range

20 Years – 75 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.

Exclusion criteria

. Malignant tumors
. Chronic infectious diseases
. Severe renal dysfunction (eGFR \<30 mL/min/1.73 m² or requiring dialysis)
. Moderate to severe liver dysfunction (Child-Pugh class B or C)
. Anemia (hemoglobin \<90 g/L)
. Systemic diseases requiring steroid therapy
. Severe cognitive impairment or dementia
. Alcohol or substance abuse

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

Recurrence of Atrial Arrhythmia After Catheter Ablation

Timeframe: Up to 12 months after catheter ablation (excluding a 3-month blanking period)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07487532

SponsorShanghai Zhongshan Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2028-04-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Atrial Fibrillation (AF) trials