Pulsed Field Ablation Versus Radiofrequency Ablation: Effects of Pulmonary Vein Isolation Combine… (NCT07612241) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Pulsed Field Ablation Versus Radiofrequency Ablation: Effects of Pulmonary Vein Isolation Combined With Left Atrial Posterior Wall Isolation on Postoperative Gastric Motility in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
China20 participantsStarted 2026-05-31
Plain-language summary
This is a single-center, prospective, matched cohort study comparing the effect of Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) versus Radiofrequency Ablation (RF) on postoperative gastric motility in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). A total of 20 patients will be enrolled in a 1:1 matched design (10 PFA, 10 RF), matched by age, gender, left atrial diameter, AF duration, and diabetes history. All patients will undergo pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) plus left atrial posterior wall isolation (LAPWI).
The primary outcome is gastric emptying assessed by radionuclide imaging preoperatively and at 48 hours post-ablation. Secondary outcomes include gastrointestinal symptom scores: PAGI-SYM, GSRS, and GerdQ measured before ablation and at 7 days post-procedure.
Patients with prior AF ablation, upper gastrointestinal surgery, gastroparesis, or recent use of gastrointestinal medications are excluded. The study period is from January 30, 2026 to July 30, 2026.
This study aims to evaluate whether PFA is associated with better gastric motility preservation compared with conventional RF ablation in persistent AF patients undergoing extended PVI plus posterior wall isolation.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 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 18-80 years
* Diagnosed with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) according to current guidelines
* Undergoing first-time catheter ablation (PFA or RF) with planned pulmonary vein isolation plus left atrial posterior wall isolation
* Able to understand and sign informed consent
* Able to complete radionuclide gastric emptying scintigraphy and symptom questionnaires
Exclusion Criteria:
* Previous AF ablation or cardiac surgery
* History of gastroparesis or severe gastrointestinal disease
* Prior upper gastrointestinal surgery
* Use of prokinetic or antisecretory medications within 4 weeks before enrollment
* Severe renal/hepatic dysfunction or active malignancy
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women
* Inability to comply with study procedures or follow-up
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
Gastric Motility After Pulsed Field Versus Radiofrequency Ablation
Timeframe: Preoperatively and at 48 hours post-ablation