Shock Energy for Electrical Cardioversion of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Atrial Fibrillation

In brief

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the efficacy of a maximum output shock for cardioverting atrial fibrillation between two commonly used defibrillators in New Zealand . These machines have different maximum energy outputs, and to date no head-to-head comparison cardioverting atrial fibrillation between the two has been undertaken. The main question it aims to answer is whether either device is more likely to cardiovert patients referred for atrial fibrillation. Participants will be randomized to undergo cardioversion with one of two defibrillators at either 200J or 360J. Participants in each arm will undergo up to three shocks at the energy-level to which they have been randomized, using a standardized procedure. For participants randomized to the lower energy level who fail to return to normal rhythm after three shocks, they will be given a fourth shock at the higher energy level. All participants will then be asked to undertake a blood test the day following the cardioversion, and receive a follow up phone call. These are to ensure there is no difference in the safety of the procedure between the two energy levels. It is worth noting that these two components of the study (the blood test and phone call) are the only additional time commitment that is expected to be involved if you choose to participate in the study.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT05903170

Run by

Wellington Hospital

People needed

100

Starts

2025-08-01

Expected to finish

2026-08-01

Last updated by the study team

2025-04-01

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Age >18
• Patients undergoing either elective outpatient or non-emergent inpatient cardioversion for atrial fibrillation
• Eligible for anticoagulation
• Reliably anticoagulated for ≥three weeks prior to cardioversion, AF onset within 48hrs of cardioversion, or left atrial thrombus excluded on transoesophageal echocardiogram
• Able to consent to cardioversion, and study participation

You may not qualify if…

• Contraindication to anticoagulation
• Atrial flutter
• Emergent cardioversion
• Implantable cardiac device (PPM or ICD)
• Unable to consent to cardioversion and/or study participation
• Pregnancy

Where it is running

• Wellington Regional Hospital — Wellington, Wellington Region, New Zealand (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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