Role of Signal averaged P waves in predicting recurrence of AF.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Signal averaged P waves & P wave indices,can they predict the recurrence of AF?
IRAS ID
141973
Contact name
Ghulam Andre Ng
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leicester
Research summary
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is a condition which results in bouts of disorganised electrical activity affecting the top chambers of the heart (atria), causing an irregular heartbeat and symptoms such as palpitation and breathlessness in affected individuals. Catheter ablation involves the use radiofrequency energy to eliminate the electrical pathways causing the condition and restore normal electrical activity and a normal, regular (sinus) rhythm of the heartbeat. One form of catheter ablation targets a set of veins connected to the top left chamber of the heart. These veins are known as the pulmonary veins and the ablation treatment is known as pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).
Sinus rhythm is recognised by means of the presence of ‘P’ waves. These are absent while the patient is in atrial fibrillation. It is thought that the characteristics of the ‘P’ wave may influence the probability of success of catheter ablation in individuals suffering with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation(as per figure in protocol version1.2).
This study will use the well-established and routine method of acquiring electrocardiograms (ECGs), non-invasive electrical tracings of the heart, to perform various analyses on ‘P’ waves. The data will be used to test if there is a relationship between specific ‘P’ wave characteristics and outcomes of catheter ablation treatment.
All patients undergoing PVI catheter ablation for Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation at Glenfield Hospital are eligible for the study. We anticipate this study to be completed within 15 months.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EM/0108
Date of REC Opinion
23 Apr 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion