Pulsed Field Ablation in the Coronary Sinus: Feasibility and Safety of a Novel Approach for Mitral Isthmus Block

Why This Study Is Important

* Many patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) continue to experience abnormal heart rhythms even after receiving standard treatments. * Standard heat-based energy can be difficult to use in these areas because fast blood flow cools the tissue, and excessive heat may damage nearby structures like the right coronary artery.

Our Approach

* Investigators are testing a newer technology called pulsed field ablation (PFA). * Unlike traditional methods, PFA uses ultra-short electrical pulses rather than heat to target heart cells specifically while protecting neighboring nerves and blood vessels. * This study focuses on applying this energy within the coronary sinus to help achieve a more complete and lasting electrical block for the mitral isthmus.

What To Expect

* This study involves 30 participants who are already undergoing a catheter ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation. * The research team will monitor how successful the procedure is at immediately stopping the abnormal electrical signals. * Participants will have follow-up visits over six months to check for any returning heart rhythm issues and will receive a specialized heart scan (CTA) to ensure the nearby coronary arteries remain healthy

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Key information

Conditions

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Arrhythmias, Cardiac Atrial Fibrillation Cardiovascular Diseases Heart Diseases Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–75 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Who can participate

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation: participants must have a diagnosis of symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation.
Documentation: The arrhythmia must be documented by electrocardiogram or Holter monitoring.
Age Range: participants must be between 18 and 75 years of age.
Study Compliance: participants must be willing and able to comply with the post-procedural follow-up schedule.
Procedural Requirement: All patients must be candidates for linear ablation at the mitral isthmus (MI) and coronary sinus (CS) for substrate modification.

Exclusion criteria

Prior Cardiac Procedures: Patients with a history of prior heart surgery or Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) are excluded.
Heart Failure Severity: Individuals classified with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III or IV are ineligible.
Renal Impairment: Patients with advanced renal failure, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 30 mL/min/1.73m², are excluded.
Intracardiac Thrombus: Any patient with a left atrial thrombus identified via transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is excluded.

Treatment and study plan

Focal Pulsed Field Ablation of the Coronary Sinus

Procedure

This study utilizes focal pulsed-field ablation (PFA) specifically targeting the coronary sinus (CS) to achieve permanent electrical isolation of the mitral isthmus (MI). Unlike traditional radiofrequency ablation, this intervention delivers non-thermal, ultra-short high-voltage pulses that induce irreversible electroporation specifically in myocardial cells

Primary outcomes

Acute Procedural Success of Mitral Isthmus Isolation

Time frame: Intraoperative (immediately following the ablation procedure)

The percentage of patients achieving acute bidirectional conduction block across the mitral isthmus (MI) line. Bidirectional block is confirmed using differential pacing techniques from the left atrial appendage and the distal coronary sinus after completing both endocardial and intra-coronary sinus pulsed field ablation

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Safety, Efficacy and Mid-term Outcomes of Pulsed Field Ablation for Mitral Isthmus Ablation Through Epicardial Approach

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: May 11, 2026
Registry last updated: May 13, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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