What the trial was testing
The CONVERGE enrolled 170 patients with atrial fibrillation. The study was sponsored by AtriCure, Inc. and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.
Researchers followed patients through treatment and into recovery, tracking the outcomes that mattered most for the disease being studied.
What the results showed
68% of patients stayed in normal rhythm at one year with the combined approach versus 50% with standard catheter ablation.
Circulation. Arrhythmia and electrophysiology · 2020 · NCT01984346
These findings — that two-thirds of patients using the combined approach stayed in normal heart rhythm at one year — were published in the Circulation. Arrhythmia and electrophysiology and represent the headline result of the study.
Researchers tracked outcomes across 170 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.
What this means for patients
For patients with atrial fibrillation, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.
What you can do now
This hybrid procedure is FDA-approved and available for persistent atrial fibrillation that hasn't responded to other treatments. It combines minimally invasive surgery on the heart's surface with catheter ablation from inside. Ask your electrophysiologist if you're a candidate, especially if you've tried catheter ablation before without success or have long-standing persistent AFib.
Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.
Open atrial fibrillation trials
Stroke and Systemic Embolism Prevention in Adult Participants With Atrial Fibrillation for Whom Oral Anticoagulation is Unsuitable
This study is researching 2 different experimental drugs called REGN7508 and REGN9933 (called "study drugs"). The study is focused on people who have atrial fibrillation, which means that the heart beats too fast and unevenly. When this happens, blood cannot move smoothly through the heart; it can slow down or pool in one spot, which can lead to the formation of blood clots. REGN7508 and REGN9933 are designed to help stop blood clots forming in patients with atrial fibrillation. The aim of the study is to see how effective and safe REGN7508 and REGN9933, individually, are in preventing ischemic stroke or systemic embolism in people with atrial fibrillation who cannot or may choose to not take blood thinners. The study is looking at several other research questions, including: * What side effects may happen from taking REGN7508 or REGN9933 * How well does REGN7508 or REGN9933 lower the risk of having an ischemic stroke and/or systemic embolism compared to the placebo * How well does REGN7508 or REGN9933 lower the risk of having a major health problem affecting heart and blood circulation compared to placebo * How well does REGN7508 or REGN9933 lower the risk of death compared to placebo * How much REGN7508 or REGN9933 is in the blood at different times * Whether the body makes antibodies against REGN7508 or REGN9933 (which could make the study drugs less effective or could lead to side effects)
Safety and Effectiveness of Pulmonary Vein isOLation And posterioR Wall Ablation wIth pulSed Field Energy in Patients With Paroxysmal and Persistent AF
The primary objective of this clinical investigation is to demonstrate the safety and 12-month effectiveness of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and posterior LA wall isolation in the treatment of subjects with symptomatic paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation using the pulsed field ablation with the VARIPULSE™ catheter and the TRUPULSE™ generator.