Plain-English translation of NCT06728826 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
After heart surgery, many patients develop an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation, which can cause serious complications and longer hospital stays. This trial is testing whether a surgical procedure called posterior pericardiotomy—which allows fluid that builds up around the heart to drain away—can prevent this irregular heartbeat from developing. Researchers will compare patients who receive this procedure during surgery with those who do not.
Fluid that accumulates around the heart after surgery may trigger irregular heartbeats in up to 40% of heart surgery patients. If this treatment can safely prevent that, it could help people recover faster, avoid stroke risk, and go home sooner.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
If you are enrolled, you will either receive the drainage procedure during your scheduled heart surgery (or not, depending on which group you are randomly assigned to). From the day of your surgery through 30 days afterward, you will wear a special portable heart monitor that records your heartbeat continuously. Researchers will track you across 15 hospital centers in China and follow up with you to see how you recover.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 6, 2026 · Not medical advice
China
Sponsor
Changhai Hospital
Collaborators
The General Hospital of Northern Theater Command
Enrollment target
~650 participants
Started
December 2025
Primary completion
December 2026
Age range
18 Years and older
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in July 2026.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Hao Zhang, M.D. Ph.D.
Naval Medical University Changhai Hospital
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.