In this study, the investigators aim to identify and characterize, by means of an EnSite Velocity Research Software, the electrophysiological characteristics of substrates that sustain AF in patients with persistent AF and to test whether ablation of such patient-specific substrates might improve the acute and long-term success of conventional catheter ablation therapy.
This study is a prospective, single center, randomized, single-blind, controlled, 2-arm parallel group trial in Milan, Italy. The total duration of the study is expected to be 24 months with \~12 months of enrollment. Approximately 80 subjects suffering from persistent AF will be randomized in a 1:1 fashion to the following investigation arms: * Modified circumferential pulmonary vein ablation alone (mCPVA); * Substrate-targeted ablation guided by AF substrate mapping, followed by completion of modified circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (Substrate+ mCPVA) * Ablate the areas that have fast and regular electrical activities, starting from the fastest cycle length (defined by Mean CL in the range of 120-250 milliseconds, and SD CL in the range of 1-30 milliseconds * Ablate the areas that have consistent rotational or focal propagation pattern (defined by conduction velocity vectors) * Ablate the areas that comprises the slow conduction zone of possible arrhythmia circuits * If AF terminates during RF ablation, stimulation protocol will be used to examine if AF is re-inducible. If AF sustains or is re-inducible and physician decides to remap, mapping will be performed again for substrate-targeted ablation. If AF is not re-inducible, mCPVA will be completed Subjects will be followed up at 3, 6, 12 months. The primary objective of the study is to assess acute and long-term outcome of patient-tailored substrate-targeted ablation (Substrate) plus modified circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (Substrate+mCPVA) versus modified circumferential pulmonary vein ablation alone (mCPVA). The secondary objective of the study is to map and characterize electrophysiological substrates during AF, including regular and fast activities, complex fractionated electrograms, wave front propagation directions, and fibrosis.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
81
The intervention in the experimental arm includes using a research software (investigational device) to map AF substrate and guide ablation.
The intervention in the active comparator arm includes using the commercially available EnSite Velocity mapping and ablation system for modified circumferential pulmonary vein ablation.
I.R.C.C.S. Policlinico San Donato
San Donato Milanese, MI, Italy
Long-term Clinical Success Rate
Freedom from symptomatic AF off antiarrhythmic drug therapy assessed from the end of the 3 months blanking period to 12 months following the ablation procedure, documented by implantable loop recorder (ILR) monitoring or trans-telephonic (TT) ECG monitoring.
Time frame: 12 months
Acute Ablation Procedure Outcome
Acute AF termination or significant AF cycle length slowing during RF application in ablation procedure
Time frame: During Ablation
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.