Recruiting

Testing a new catheter technique to treat abnormal heart rhythms after a heart attack

Plain-English translation of NCT06891456 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated August 2025 · Translation generated August 2026 · 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.

What is this trial?

The ASCEND trial is testing a novel catheter called FARAPOINT to treat a serious heart rhythm problem called ventricular tachycardia that develops after a heart attack. This new catheter uses pulsed field ablation technology, which works differently than the standard heat-based catheters used today. The study will compare whether this new approach works as well as or better than current standard treatment, while keeping patients safe.

Many people who have had a heart attack develop dangerous, life-threatening heart rhythms that don't respond well to medications. While catheter ablation (a minimally invasive procedure) can help, doctors are looking for newer techniques that might work faster and more effectively. This trial tests whether the new treatment technology could improve outcomes for these patients.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are at least 18 years old
you have had a heart attack and have heart disease
you have been diagnosed with sustained ventricular tachycardia (dangerous rapid heartbeats) that has occurred multiple times or hasn't responded well to heart medications
your heart's pumping strength (ejection fraction) is at least 20% based on a recent heart ultrasound
you are willing and able to follow all study procedures and attend all visits

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a blood clot in your heart's main pumping chamber
you have had a recent heart attack or active chest pain in the past 2 months
you have severe kidney disease or blood clotting problems
you have end-stage heart failure (NYHA Class IV) or other conditions that would limit your survival to less than 12 months
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or unable to take blood-thinning medication like heparin

What participation looks like

If you qualify and are selected, you will be randomly assigned to receive either the new FARAPOINT catheter procedure or the standard catheter procedure for treating your heart rhythm problem. The procedure itself is performed in a hospital, where doctors use imaging to guide a thin tube (catheter) into your heart to treat the problem areas. You'll be monitored during the procedure and afterward to ensure your safety, and the research team will follow up with you to track how well the treatment worked.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 6, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio