Tests surgical ablation to treat atrial fibrillation during heart surgery
Tests a surgical procedure for atrial fibrillation in adults having heart surgery.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Surgical Ablation of AF Efficacy Trial
Key facts
- Where
- Hamilton, CanadaSee the site
AI summary: who the study is looking for
From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.
The trial is looking for adults with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) who are having planned heart surgery (CABG, aortic valve replacement or ascending aorta replacement). It tests adding a surgical ablation of AF during that surgery.
- Age
- 18 years or older
- Sex
- All sexes
- Disease stage
- Documented history of paroxysmal or persistent AF, with a clinically indicated heart operation: CABG, AVR, ascending aorta replacement, or a combination of these.
- Earlier treatment
- Cannot have had earlier heart surgery that required opening the pericardium.
Main reasons for not taking part
- Atrial flutter is the main atrial rhythm problem
- Left atrial diameter of 6 cm (2.4 in) or more
- Heart transplant, complex congenital heart surgery, or surgery only to insert a ventricular assist device
- Mitral or tricuspid valve repair or replacement
- Lives in a long-term care facility
Read by machine on 9 November 2026.
Where in Canada
- Hamilton General HospitalHamilton, CanadaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- Population Health Research Institute
- Trial code
- NCT05434819
- Record updated
- 5 October 2026
- Original description
SAFE is an international multicentre RCT of concomitant surgical atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation in patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF undergoing cardiac surgery.Read full original descriptionShow less
Surgical Ablation of AF Efficacy Trial
SAFE is an international multicentre RCT of concomitant surgical atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation in patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF undergoing cardiac surgery.
Inclusion: Age ≥ 18 years; Undergoing a clinically indicated cardiac surgical procedure: CABG, AVR, ascending aorta replacement, or combinations thereof; Documented history of paroxysmal or persistent AF; Provide informed consent.
Exclusion: Previous cardiac surgery requiring opening of the pericardium; Dominant atrial arrhythmia is atrial flutter; Patients undergoing any of the following procedures:; Heart transplant; Complex congenital heart surgery; Sole indication for surgery is ventricular assist device insertion; Mitral valve repair or replacement; Tricuspid valve repair or replacement; Documented left atrial diameter ≥ 6 cm; Patient resides in a long-term care facility.