Individualized Approach vs. Fixed Approach (INDI-FREEZE)
Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age ≥18 years
- The patient understands the nature of the study, treatment procedure and provides written informed consent
- Symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation as defined by the current guidelines
- Willing to comply with specified pre-, post- and follow-up testing, evaluations and requirements
- Expected to remain available (geographically stable) for at least 12 months after enrollment
Exclusion Criteria:
- Atrial fibrillation secondary to a reversible cause or of non-cardiac origin
- Previous AF ablation procedure
- Longstanding persistent AF
- Documented left atrial thrombus on imaging (e.g., transesophageal echocardiogram, angiogram)
- NYHA functional Class IV heart failure
- Unstable angina
- Left ventricular ejection fraction < 30%
- Valvular disease requiring interventional treatment
- Cardiac surgery within 3 months prior to enrolment
- Left atrial size > 55 mm as measured in the parasternal antero-posterior view
- Uncontrolled bleeding, diathesis, coagulopathy or pro-coagulant state
- Active systemic infection or sepsis
- Other co-morbid condition(s) that could limit the participant's ability to participate in the study or to comply with follow-up requirements, or impact the scientific integrity of the study.
Sites / Locations
- University Heart Center Luebeck, Electrophysiology
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Active Comparator
Individual Freeze-Catheter ablation
Fixed Freeze-Catheter ablation
The individualized "time-to-effect" protocol utilizing the AFA-Pro applies a freeze-cycle until documentation of PVI based on continuous real-time recordings from the Achieve catheter inside the PV. After documentation of PVI the freeze-cycle is prolonged for additional 90 seconds. If no PVI is achieved after 90 seconds or a temperature of -<30° is not reached after 40 seconds the freeze cycle is stopped, the cryoballoon will be repositioned to possibly achieve a better position. Afterwards the freeze-cycle will be restarted. If no real-time PV signal recording can be obtained, a standard freeze-cycle of 180 seconds is applied. No bonus-freeze-cycle is applied in this protocol.
The fixed-freeze-cycle protocol utilizing the AFA-Pro comprises a fixed freeze-cycle duration of 180 seconds. If PVI is not achieved with the first freeze-cycle, another 180 seconds freeze-cycle will be applied until documented PVI. After PVI no bonus freeze-cycle is applied.