Long-term heart rhythm treatment using freezing catheters for atrial fibrillation

Plain-English translation of NCT05227053 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated May 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

This study is following patients who have received the Arctic Front cardiac cryoablation catheter system—a device that uses freezing to treat an irregular heartbeat condition called paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Researchers want to understand how well this freezing procedure works over the long term and how safe it is compared to taking heart rhythm medications. You would be part of a global group of about 200 patients being monitored to help answer these questions.

Many people with atrial fibrillation are currently treated with medications to control their heart rhythm, but these drugs don't work for everyone and can cause side effects. This study exists to confirm that the freezing catheter procedure is a safe and effective alternative option for people who haven't had success with or want to avoid long-term medications.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat that comes and goes and causes symptoms)
you are 18 years of age or older
you are planning to have a pulmonary vein isolation procedure using the Arctic Front freezing catheter system
you are willing to follow the study requirements and give informed consent to participate

You likely don't qualify if…

you have previously taken heart rhythm medications (class I or III antiarrhythmic drugs, including sotalol) for a long period to prevent atrial fibrillation from returning
you have had a prior ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation (though a previous ablation for a different heart rhythm problem may be okay)
you are currently enrolled in another clinical study that has not been approved for concurrent participation
you are subject to local legal restrictions that would exclude you from the study

What participation looks like

You would receive the freezing catheter procedure as your treatment for atrial fibrillation, and then the research team would follow up with you over time to monitor how well the procedure works and whether you experience any side effects. The study is observational, meaning researchers are collecting information from your medical records and visits rather than testing a new investigational medication. You would be part of a global registry tracking long-term outcomes to help doctors understand this treatment better.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 14, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(13 sites)

United States

Alaska Heart Institute, Anchorage, Alaska

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County, Stamford, Connecticut

MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington D.C., District of Columbia

BayCare Medical Group Cardiology, Clearwater, Florida

Heart Rhythm Solutions, Davie, Florida