Comparing catheter ablation with electrical cardioversion for persistent atrial fibrillation
Compares heart-rhythm procedures, ablation and cardioversion, in adults with persistent atrial fibrillation.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Investigation of Cardioversion Versus Therapeutic Ablation for Persistent AF (ORBICA-AF)
Key facts
- Where
- London, United KingdomSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 85 years old?
Source: NCT06096246, who can take part
Where in United Kingdom
- Barts Heart CentreLondon, United KingdomTaking 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?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Barts & The London NHS Trust
- Trial code
- NCT06096246
- Record updated
- 22 September 2026
- Original description
The main aim of the research is to investigate whether patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation with catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) will have lower rates of AF recurrence than those treated by DC cardioversion without an ablation procedure.Read full original descriptionShow less
Objective Randomised Blinded Investigation of Cardioversion Versus Ablation for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (ORBICA-AF)
The main aim of the research is to investigate whether patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation with catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) will have lower rates of AF recurrence than those treated by DC cardioversion without an ablation procedure.
Inclusion: Ability to give informed consent; Age 18-85 years; Persistent AF (atrial fibrillation lasting > 7days) of total continuous duration <2 years as documented in medical notes; Patients being considered for cardioversion.
Exclusion: Patients in Persistent AF who have had more than one previous cardioversion; Uncontrolled hypertension; Creatinine clearance (eGFR) < 30mls/min; Contraindication or unable to take anticoagulation; Contraindication for catheter ablation; BMI > 40; Established diagnosis of Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.