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Home › Conditions › Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Part of Atrial Fibrillation

4 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

46 trials tracked for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: 6 in phase 3 or 4 and 2 with published results. The most-cited published study has 212 citations.

46Trials tracked
6Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
2With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 3 Phase 3 3 Phase 2 2 Other / NA 38
  1. Phase 3 HeartLight Ablation in Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF) Completed · 212 cited
  2. Phase 4 Evaluation of VISITAG SURPOINT™ Module With External Processing Unit (EPU) Completed · 27 cited
  3. Phase 4 NAVISTAR® THERMOCOOL® Catheter Post Approval Registry Completed
  4. Phase 4 Ablation of the Pulmonary Veins for Paroxysmal Afib Completed
  5. Phase 3 Clinical Study of the CardioFocus Endoscopic Ablation System for the Treatment of Symptomatic AF Completed
  6. Phase 3 A Clinical Study of the Arctic Front Cryoablation Balloon for the Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Completed
Show 40 more trials
  1. Phase 2 REVOLUTION (WFCC-133) - Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  2. Phase 2 Clinical Study of the CardioFocus Endoscopic Ablation System - Adaptive Contact (EAS-AC) for the Treatment of Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  3. N/A Clinical Study for Safety and Acute Performance Evaluation of the THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH® SF-5D System Used With Fast Ablation Mode in Treatment of Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation. Completed
  4. N/A AF Septal Pacing (Clinical Investigation Plan) Completed
  5. N/A LSI (Lesion Index) Workflow Observational Study Completed
  6. N/A Cryoballoon PVI With PWI Versus PVI Alone In Patients With PAF Completed
  7. N/A TactiSense IDE Trial of TactiCath SE for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  8. N/A TactiFlex Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation IDE Trial Completed
  9. N/A Randomized Evaluation of Redo Ablation Procedures of Atrial Fibrillation With FIRM Guided Procedures Completed
  10. N/A A Safety and Feasibility Study of the FARAPULSE Endocardial Ablation System to Treat Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  11. N/A A Study Assessing Arrhythmia Mapping With the Multi-Electrode OPTRELL™ Mapping Catheter Completed
  12. N/A The FARAPULSE FARA-Freedom Trial Completed
  13. N/A Evaluation of QDOT MICRO™ Catheter for Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Subjects With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  14. N/A PEFCATII Expanded Safety and Feasibility Study of the FARAPULSE Endocardial Multi Ablation System to Treat Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  15. N/A TactiCath Contact Force Ablation Catheter Study for Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  16. N/A DiamondTemp™ Ablation System for the Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  17. N/A A Study Assessing Arrhythmia Mapping With a Globe-Shaped, High-Density, Multi-Electrode Mapping Catheter Completed
  18. N/A A RWS of the FARAPULSE in A Chinese Population With PAF Completed
  19. N/A Irrigated Ablation System Evaluation for Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Completed
  20. N/A POLARx™ Cardiac Cryoablation System Post Market Clinical Study (POLAR SMART) Completed
  21. N/A Efficacy of Personalized Exercise Program and Trimetazidine in Rehabilitation of Patients After RFA of AF Completed
  22. N/A FIRE AND ICE Re-Ablations (Retrospective Data Collection) Completed
  23. N/A A Single Arm Pilot Study of Pulsed Field Ablation in the Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  24. N/A Effect of Treatment of Sleep Apnea in Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  25. N/A Prospective Evaluation of Open Irrigated Ablation Catheters With High Resolution Mapping to Treat Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  26. N/A Navi-Star Thermo-Cool Catheter For Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  27. N/A TactiCath® Contact Force Ablation Catheter Study for Atrial Fibrillation Post Approval Study Completed
  28. N/A Clinical Evaluation of the StablePoint Catheter and Force Sensing System for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  29. N/A HD Mapping of Atrial Fibrillation in Asia Pacific Completed
  30. N/A Electrical Coupling Information From The Rhythmia HDx System And DirectSense Technology In Subjects With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  31. N/A Automated Assessment of PVI Using a Novel EP Recording System Completed
  32. N/A IMPACT: A Safety and Feasibility Study of the IOWA Approach Cardiac Ablation System Completed
  33. N/A Boston Scientific's Cryoballoon in the Treatment of Symptomatic Drug Refractory Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  34. N/A Individualized Studies of Triggers of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  35. N/A IMPULSE: A Safety and Feasibility Study of the IOWA Approach Endocardial Ablation System to Treat Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  36. N/A A Feasibility Study to Evaluate the Effect of Concomitant Renal Denervation and Cardiac Ablation on AF Recurrence Completed
  37. N/A The FARAPULSE ADVENT PIVOTAL Trial PFA System vs SOC Ablation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  38. N/A A Study of Intracardiac Ultrasound With the NUVISION NAV Ultrasound Catheter Completed
  39. N/A High-Density (HD) Wave Mapping in Subjects With Atrial Fibrillation as a Predictor of Recurrence After a Single Ablation Procedure Using a PVI-Only Strategy Completed
  40. N/A Multi-electrode Radiofrequency Balloon Catheter Use for the Isolation of the Pulmonary Veins. Completed

Showing the 46 most-cited and recently-updated of 46 trials. Browse the full registry →

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.

What the trials found Updated — new results For clinicians

Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: what the trials found

Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) using the FARAPULSE system has demonstrated significant results in treatment success for atrial fibrillation. One study showed a statistically significant difference in primary effectiveness treatment success (p=0.025) 15, while another reported that 121 of 180 patients were free from chronic treatment failure and recurrence of symptomatic arrhythmias at 12 months 16. Safety data for the FARAPULSE system indicated zero procedure-related serious adverse events (SAEs) within 7 days in one cohort 14, with high rates of patients remaining free from device-related SAEs in another 16.

Cryoablation and other ablation techniques show established safety and efficacy profiles. A trial comparing cryoablation to medical management showed significantly higher treatment success (p<0.0001) and freedom from major atrial fibrillation events (p<0.001) 7. Additionally, RF ablation has been shown to improve patient quality of life scores (SF-36) and reduce symptom severity scores at 6 months post-procedure 4.

Clinical trials have established that certain ablation procedures result in high rates of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). For example, one study reported a 98.8% to 100% success rate for PVI at the end of the procedure using specific catheter techniques 2. Furthermore, some studies indicate that atrial fibrillation ablation results in low rates of primary adverse events within seven days (3.2% to 6.4%) 3.

Recent results — preliminary, needs further review

  • Boston Scientific Cardiac Cryoablation System 10
  • Cryoballoon ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation 11
  • Boston Scientific Open Irrigated Ablation Catheters: 368 patients were safety event-free at 12 months, while 218 were effectiveness event-free 1.

For the clinician treating this condition

  • Pulsed Field Ablation (FARAPULSE) is an established intervention with demonstrated superiority in treatment success and high rates of freedom from chronic failure at 12 months.
  • Cryoablation shows significant clinical advantages over medical management regarding both immediate treatment success and long-term freedom from major atrial fibrillation events.
  • Ablation procedures, including RF ablation, are associated with measurable improvements in patient quality of life and reduction in symptom severity.

AI synthesis of 10 cited trials, updated Jun 21, 2026. Informational only — not medical advice; trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
Nurse-led lifestyle interventions improve quality of life and reduce AF recurrence after ablation
Cardiology RCT
Nurse-led lifestyle interventions improve quality of life and reduce AF recurrence after ablation Nurse-led care reduces AF recurrence and boosts quality of life after ablation
This randomized controlled trial of 160 patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation found that nurse-led …
Patients receiving nurse-led lifestyle support after heart rhythm surgery had fewer AF recurrences and better quality of life than those rec…
May 1, 2026
Cryoballoon ablation reduces PV automaticity retention compared to radiofrequency ablation in PAF
Cardiology RCT
Cryoballoon ablation reduces PV automaticity retention compared to radiofrequency ablation in PAF Ablation times differ but rhythm return looks the same for both methods
This RCT in 100 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation undergoing initial catheter ablation found that cryoballoon ablation (CBA) resu…
Two common heart rhythm procedures show similar success rates for stopping fast beats, even though one takes longer and uses more X-ray time…
May 1, 2026
Intraprocedural atrial tachycardia incidence and 12-month outcomes after RFCA for paroxysmal AF
Cardiology Cohort
Intraprocedural atrial tachycardia incidence and 12-month outcomes after RFCA for paroxysmal AF Patients with atrial tachycardia during ablation have similar long-term rhythm success to others
This single-center prospective cohort study of 255 patients undergoing RFCA for paroxysmal AF found an intraprocedural atrial tachycardia in…
Atrial tachycardia found during heart rhythm procedures does not predict worse long-term outcomes for patients undergoing treatment for paro…
Frontiers Apr 22, 2026
Pulsed field ablation shows similar efficacy to radiofrequency ablation for paroxysmal AF
Cardiology RCT
Pulsed field ablation shows similar efficacy to radiofrequency ablation for paroxysmal AF Is pulsed field ablation better for AFib? New study finds it matches standard treatment
A multicenter RCT of 289 patients with drug-resistant paroxysmal AF found no significant difference in 12-month single-procedure success bet…
A new heart procedure for AFib works as well as the standard, with 77% of patients free from recurrence after a year and fewer serious event…
Apr 2, 2026

Research across Atrial Fibrillation

Related studies from across the Atrial Fibrillation family.

Thoracic Radiotherapy Linked to 7.6% Pooled Incidence of Reported Atrial Fibrillation
Oncology Meta-analysis
Thoracic Radiotherapy Linked to 7.6% Pooled Incidence of Reported Atrial Fibrillation Thoracic radiation for cancer may increase risk of heart rhythm issues
This meta-analysis of 9 cohort-level estimates examines reported atrial fibrillation after thoracic radiotherapy in adults with thoracic mal…
New data shows that patients receiving radiation for chest cancers may face a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a common heart …
Frontiers Sep 11, 2026
Composite lipid and metabolic indices show more consistent associations with atrial fibrillation recurrence than individual measures
Cardiology Sys. Review
Composite lipid and metabolic indices show more consistent associations with atrial fibrillation recurrence than individual measures Lipid Profiles May Reflect Metabolic Burden in Atrial Fibrillation
This narrative review examines the relationship between circulating lipid profiles and atrial fibrillation risk or post-ablation recurrence.…
New research suggests that lipid levels in the blood may reflect overall metabolic health rather than acting as direct causes of heart rhyth…
Frontiers Sep 3, 2026
Pulsed-field ablation shows shorter ablation times and lower phrenic nerve palsy than cryoballoon ablation
Cardiology Meta-analysis
Pulsed-field ablation shows shorter ablation times and lower phrenic nerve palsy than cryoballoon ablation Pulsed-field Ablation Shows Faster Times for Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
This meta-analysis of 2024 patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing pulmonary vein isolation compares pulsed-field ablation (PFA) to cry…
A new analysis suggests pulsed-field ablation may offer faster procedure times and lower nerve damage risks for patients with atrial fibrill…
Sep 2, 2026
Clinical risk factors including smoking and sleep apnea increase arrhythmia recurrence after atrial fibrillation ablation
Cardiology Meta-analysis
Clinical risk factors including smoking and sleep apnea increase arrhythmia recurrence after atrial fibrillation ablation Clinical risk factors linked to higher atrial fibrillation recurrence rates
This meta-analysis examined various clinical risk factors and their impact on arrhythmia recurrence in patients undergoing catheter ablation…
Specific health conditions like sleep apnea and gum disease are linked to a higher risk of heart rhythm issues returning after surgery.
Sep 1, 2026
Early oral anticoagulants show no significant difference in stroke risk compared to late initiation
Neurology Meta-analysis
Early oral anticoagulants show no significant difference in stroke risk compared to late initiation Early blood thinners show no extra risks for stroke patients
This meta-analysis of 6522 adults with atrial fibrillation and recent ischemic stroke found no significant difference in recurrent ischemic …
Starting blood thinners soon after a stroke does not increase the risk of bleeding or death compared to waiting.
Sep 1, 2026
DOACs reduce device-related thrombosis and bleeding risk compared to DAPT after left atrial appendage closure
Cardiology Meta-analysis
DOACs reduce device-related thrombosis and bleeding risk compared to DAPT after left atrial appendage closure DOACs Show Lower Risk of Blood Clots After Heart Procedure
This meta-analysis of 704 patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous left atrial appendage closure found that DOACs significa…
Patients with atrial fibrillation may have a lower risk of blood clots and bleeding when using DOACs after a specific heart procedure.
Sep 1, 2026
DOACs reduce stroke, mortality, and major bleeding risk compared to vitamin K antagonists in hemodialysis
Cardiology Meta-analysis
DOACs reduce stroke, mortality, and major bleeding risk compared to vitamin K antagonists in hemodialysis DOACs Show Lower Stroke and Bleeding Risk in Dialysis Patients
This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) compared to vitamin K antagonists in patients wit…
Patients with atrial fibrillation on hemodialysis may have lower risks of stroke and major bleeding when using DOACs instead of vitamin K an…
Sep 1, 2026
Digital recruitment strategy yielded 1,406 registrations from 1,319 potential individuals with atrial fibrillation
Cardiology Phase III
Digital recruitment strategy yielded 1,406 registrations from 1,319 potential individuals with atrial fibrillation Digital Ads Help Recruit Patients for Atrial Fibrillation Trials
This observational feasibility study evaluated digital recruitment strategies using online advertisements and a pre-screening website for at…
New data shows digital advertising can help find more diverse participants for atrial fibrillation clinical trials, though some gaps remain.
medRxiv Aug 30, 2026
Double-chambered left ventricle in adulthood with severe mitral regurgitation and refractory heart failure
Cardiology Guideline
Double-chambered left ventricle in adulthood with severe mitral regurgitation and refractory heart failure Complex heart structure can cause severe heart failure in adults
This case report describes a 50-year-old man with longstanding atrial fibrillation and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, found t…
A man with a rare double-chambered heart and chronic irregular heartbeat showed that complex anatomy can lead to severe heart failure.
Frontiers Aug 27, 2026
Adding antiplatelet therapy to anticoagulation does not cut stroke risk but raises major bleeding
Cardiology Meta-analysis
Adding antiplatelet therapy to anticoagulation does not cut stroke risk but raises major bleeding Combined Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Therapy Increases Bleeding Risk
This meta-analysis of 14,884 patients with recent ischemic stroke, nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, and large artery atherosclerosis found t…
Combining two types of blood thinners may increase bleeding risks without reducing the chance of a second stroke in patients with certain he…
Aug 26, 2026
Postoperative atrial fibrillation increases long-term thromboembolic risk following CABG and isolated valve surgery
Cardiology Meta-analysis
Postoperative atrial fibrillation increases long-term thromboembolic risk following CABG and isolated valve surgery Atrial Fibrillation After Heart Surgery Linked to Higher Blood Clot Risk
This meta-analysis of observational studies indicates that postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is associated with increased long-term t…
New analysis suggests that patients who develop atrial fibrillation after heart surgery face a higher risk of long-term blood clots.
medRxiv Aug 26, 2026
DOACs associated with lower risks of recurrent ICH, ischemic stroke, and mortality in atrial fibrillation
Cardiology Meta-analysis
DOACs associated with lower risks of recurrent ICH, ischemic stroke, and mortality in atrial fibrillation Trial Shows Direct Oral Anticoagulants Reduce Risks for Atrial Fibrillation
This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in patients with at…
New data suggests that direct oral anticoagulants may lower the risk of stroke and bleeding for patients with atrial fibrillation.
Aug 22, 2026

Questions about Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Are there differences in success rates between pulsed field and radiofrequency ablation?

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have similar success rates for paroxysmal AF, but PFA may have a different safety profile.

Full answer →
Can lifestyle interventions improve quality of life after paroxysmal AF ablation?

Yes, nurse-led lifestyle interventions (exercise, diet, medication adherence, psychological support) significantly improve quality of life after paroxysmal AF ablation, based on randomized trial evidence.

Full answer →
Does pulsed field ablation work as well as radiofrequency ablation?

Yes, pulsed field ablation (PFA) works as well as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treating paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, with similar success rates and a possibly lower risk of serious complications.

Full answer →
What is the risk of atrial tachycardia during radiofrequency ablation?

About 13% of patients develop atrial tachycardia during radiofrequency ablation for paroxysmal AF, usually around the tricuspid or mitral valve; it does not affect 12-month success rates.

Full answer →