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NCT Number: NCT07612241

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

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Arrhythmias, Cardiac Atrial Fibrillation Cardiovascular Diseases Heart Diseases Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

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

Treatment and study plan

Pulsed field ablation

Procedure

Pulmonary vein Description isolation combined with left atrial posterior wall isolation using pulsed field ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation.

Radiofrequency ablation

Procedure

Pulmonary vein Description isolation combined with left atrial posterior wall isolation using radiofrequency ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation.

Primary outcomes

  1. Gastric Motility After Pulsed Field Versus Radiofrequency Ablation

    Time frame: Preoperatively and at 48 hours post-ablation

    Gastric emptying function will be assessed by radionuclide gastric emptying scintigraphy. The primary outcome is the difference in the percentage of gastric retention at 2 hours postprandial between the pulsed field ablation (PFA) group and the radiofrequency ablation (RF) group, measured preoperatively and at 48 hours post-ablation.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Fu Yi

CONTACT

[email protected]

+8613572100232

Zi Hao

CONTACT

[email protected]

+8618220244424

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Xijing Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

A Comparative Study on the Effects of Pulmonary Vein Isolation Combined With Left Atrial Posterior Wall Isolation Via Pulsed Field Ablation Versus Radiofrequency Ablation on Postoperative Gastric Motility in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

Acronym: PFA-GM

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
May 28, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 2, 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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