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Atrial FibrillationNCT06324188

Early Atrial Fibrillation Ablation for Stroke Prevention in Patients With High Comorbidity Burden (EASThigh-AFNET 11)

A study testing Early atrial fibrillation ablation in people with Atrial Fibrillation, run by Atrial Fibrillation Network at 7 sites in 7 countries.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

EASThigh-AFNET 11 is an international, prospective, randomized, open, blinded endpoint assessment, multicenter trial (Treatment Strategy trial). The objective of EASThigh-AFNET 11 is to investigate whether early atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and a high comorbidity burden… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Atrial Fibrillation
What is being tested?
Early atrial fibrillation ablation
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
2,312 participants
Where
7 sitesin 7 countries
Study dates
14 Oct 2024to May 2030
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • I1. AF first diagnosed within 5 years prior to enrolment and documented in body surface ECG
  • I2. High comorbidity estimated by CHA2DS2-VASc score of 4 or more
  • I3. Patient suitable for ablation using cryoballoon ablation systems or other ablation systems with comparable efficacy and safety from Medtronic
  • I4. Age ≥ 18 years
  • I5. Provision of signed informed consent

Who cannot join

  • General exclusion criteria
  • E1. Any disease that limits life expectancy to less than 1 year.
  • E2. Participation in another clinical trial, either within the 3 months prior to enrolment or still on-going (participation in potential sub-studies connected to this trial is permitted).
  • E3. Previous participation in EASThigh-AFNET 11.
  • E4. Pregnant women.
  • E5. Breastfeeding women.
Show all 12Show fewer
  • E6. Drug abuse or clinically manifest alcohol abuse.
  • E7. Prior AF ablation or surgical therapy of AF.
  • E8. Patients not suitable for AF ablation.
  • E9. Patients with a history of stroke which occurred within 3 months prior to enrolment.
  • E10. Valve disease requiring specific therapy.
  • E11. Clinically manifested thyroid dysfunction requiring therapy.

Trial locations and contacts

7 sites in 7 countries. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Antje Albring, Dr. contact

+49 251 980 1330

easthigh@af-net.eu

Anna-Katharina Quade contact

+49 251 980 1330

easthigh@af-net.eu

7 sites in 7 countries

Australia1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Several sites

    Multiple Locations

    Not yet recruiting

Other trials in Australia

Canada1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Several sites

    Multiple Locations

    Recruiting

Other trials in Canada

Germany1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Several sites

    Multiple Locations

    Recruiting

Other trials in Germany

Netherlands1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Several sites

    Multiple Locations

    Recruiting

Other trials in Netherlands

Poland1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Several sites

    Multiple Locations

    Recruiting

Other trials in Poland

Spain1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Several sites

    Multiple Locations

    Recruiting

Other trials in Spain

United Kingdom1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Several sites

    Multiple Locations

    Not yet recruiting

Other trials in United Kingdom

About this study

EASThigh-AFNET 11 is an international, prospective, randomized, open, blinded endpoint assessment, multicenter trial (Treatment Strategy trial).

The objective of EASThigh-AFNET 11 is to investigate whether early atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and a high comorbidity burden (CHA2DS2-VASc ≥4) reduces cardiovascular events (stroke, cardiovascular death, or heart failure events) compared to usual care.

Read the detailed description

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Even on optimal anticoagulation and therapy of concomitant conditions, many patients with AF suffer cardiovascular events, especially heart failure events, stroke, and cardiovascular death. Most of these events occur in elderly patients with comorbidities. Early rhythm control, mainly delivered using antiarrhythmic drugs, reduces AF-related complications when added to anticoagulation, rate control, and treatment of comorbidities when compared to current practice that offers rhythm control mainly to reduce symptoms. The outcome-reducing effect of early rhythm control is most pronounced in patients with multiple comorbidities, quantified by a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 4. Attaining sinus rhythm is the key mediator for the outcome-reducing effect of early rhythm control. Atrial fibrillation ablation controls the rhythm better than drug-based rhythm control, avoids long-term antiarrhythmic drug treatment, thus reducing polypharmacy, and may therefore be the ideal rhythm control treatment in patients with AF and a high comorbidity burden. This hypothesis needs testing. The investigator-initiated EASThigh-AFNET 11 trial evaluates the effectiveness and safety of early atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with recently diagnosed AF and a high comorbidity burden.

EASThigh-AFNET 11 is a Treatment Strategy trial randomizing 2312 patients with AF and a high comorbidity burden to early atrial fibrillation ablation or usual care to achieve a fixed number of primary endpoint events of n=527. All therapies are clinically approved. The primary outcome is a composite of cardiovascular death, stroke, and hospitalization for worsening of heart failure. The primary safety outcome is a composite of all-cause death and serious complications of AF therapy. Secondary outcome parameters address safety, patient reported outcomes and cognitive function.

EASThigh-AFNET 11 was recommended for funding by the Expert Advisory Panel of the Global Cardiovascular Research Funders Forum (GCRFF).

Being tested
Early atrial fibrillation ablation, Usual Care
Keywords
Early atrial fibrillation ablation, High comorbidity burden, CHA2DS2-VASc score, Early rhythm control, Stroke, Heart failure, Cardiovascular death, Cryoballoon
Medical subject headings
Atrial Fibrillation, Stroke, Heart Failure

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Early atrial fibrillation ablationOther

    Patients randomised to early atrial fibrillation ablation will undergo pulmonary vein isolation within 2 months after randomisation.

  • Usual CareOther

    Usual care will consist of optimal AF therapy based on guideline recommendations and local protocols and usage.The choice of therapies and medications follows routine care in line with medical guidelines and local policies at the discretion of the treating physician and should be based on the individual medical status of each study patient.

Study groups in NCT06324188
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Early atrial fibrillation ablationOtherNot described
Receives: Other: Early atrial fibrillation ablation
Usual CareOtherNot described
Receives: Other: Usual Care

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Composite of cardiovascular complications related to AF

    It is defined as time from randomisation to the first occurrence of a composite of cardiovascular death, stroke (either ischemic or hemorrhagic), or hospitalisation for worsening of heart failure.

    Measured: Throughout study completion, estimated at a mean of 4 years

  2. The primary safety outcome is a composite of all-cause death and serious complications of AF therapy.

    Serious Adverse Events (SAEs), including primary and secondary outcome parameters if based on clinical events, will be adjudicated by the independent Clinical Event Committee (CEC) according to standardised definitions given in the CEC charter.

    Measured: Throughout study completion, estimated at a mean of 4 years

Secondary outcomes (14)
  1. Number of nights spent in hospital

    Measured: Throughout study completion, estimated at a mean of 4 years

  2. Time from randomisation to first occurrence of each of the individual components of the primary outcome

    Measured: Throughout study completion, estimated at a mean of 4 years

  3. All-cause death

    Measured: Throughout study completion, estimated at a mean of 4 years

  4. Serious adverse events related to AF therapy

    Measured: Throughout study completion, estimated at a mean of 4 years

  5. Time from randomisation to first cardiovascular hospitalisation

    Measured: Throughout study completion, estimated at a mean of 4 years

  6. Number of cardiovascular hospitalisations (over-night stay)

    Measured: Throughout study completion, estimated at a mean of 4 years

  7. Changes in left ventricular ejection fraction

    Measured: comparing baseline with 24 months follow up (FU)

  8. Changes in quality of life

    assessed by EQ-5D-5L

    Measured: comparing baseline with 12 and 24 months FU

  9. Changes in quality of life

    assessed by AFEQT

    Measured: comparing baseline with 12 and 24 months FU

  10. Changes in cognitive function

    assessed by Montreal-Cognitive-Assessment-Test

    Measured: comparing baseline with 24 months FU

  11. Cardiac rhythm status

    sinus rhythm compared to AF

    Measured: at 12 and 24 months FU

  12. AF pattern

    Measured: at 12 and 24 months FU

  13. Time from randomisation to first clinical recurrence of AF

    Measured: Throughout study completion, estimated at a mean of 4 years

  14. Time from randomisation to first progression of AF

    1. e. from paroxysmal to persistent or longstanding persistent or permanent and each of these components

    Measured: Throughout study completion, estimated at a mean of 4 years

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted21 Mar 2024
  2. Study start14 Oct 2024
  3. Primary completionFeb 2030 (estimated)
  4. Study completionMay 2030 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Prevention
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
2,312 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06324188
Sponsor's protocol ID
EASThigh-AFNET 11
Status last verified
Nov 2025
First submitted
4 Mar 2024
Last updated
8 Jan 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Publications

  • Kirchhof P, Camm AJ, Goette A, Brandes A, Eckardt L, Elvan A, Fetsch T, van Gelder IC, Haase D, Haegeli LM, Hamann F, Heidbuchel H, Hindricks G, Kautzner J, Kuck KH, Mont L, Ng GA, Rekosz J, Schoen N, Schotten U, Suling A, Taggeselle J, Themistoclakis S, Vettorazzi E, Vardas P, Wegscheider K, Willems S, Crijns HJGM, Breithardt G; EAST-AFNET 4 Trial Investigators. Early Rhythm-Control Therapy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation. N Engl J Med. 2020 Oct 1;383(14):1305-1316. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2019422. Epub 2020 Aug 29.

    PubMed 32865375
  • Rillig A, Borof K, Breithardt G, Camm AJ, Crijns HJGM, Goette A, Kuck KH, Metzner A, Vardas P, Vettorazzi E, Wegscheider K, Zapf A, Kirchhof P. Early Rhythm Control in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and High Comorbidity Burden. Circulation. 2022 Sep 13;146(11):836-847. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.122.060274. Epub 2022 Aug 15.

    PubMed 35968706
  • Eckardt L, Sehner S, Suling A, Borof K, Breithardt G, Crijns H, Goette A, Wegscheider K, Zapf A, Camm J, Metzner A, Kirchhof P. Attaining sinus rhythm mediates improved outcome with early rhythm control therapy of atrial fibrillation: the EAST-AFNET 4 trial. Eur Heart J. 2022 Oct 21;43(40):4127-4144. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac471.

    PubMed 36036648
  • Andrade JG, Wells GA, Deyell MW, Bennett M, Essebag V, Champagne J, Roux JF, Yung D, Skanes A, Khaykin Y, Morillo C, Jolly U, Novak P, Lockwood E, Amit G, Angaran P, Sapp J, Wardell S, Lauck S, Macle L, Verma A; EARLY-AF Investigators. Cryoablation or Drug Therapy for Initial Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. N Engl J Med. 2021 Jan 28;384(4):305-315. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2029980. Epub 2020 Nov 16.

    PubMed 33197159
  • Andrade JG, Deyell MW, Macle L, Wells GA, Bennett M, Essebag V, Champagne J, Roux JF, Yung D, Skanes A, Khaykin Y, Morillo C, Jolly U, Novak P, Lockwood E, Amit G, Angaran P, Sapp J, Wardell S, Lauck S, Cadrin-Tourigny J, Kochhauser S, Verma A; EARLY-AF Investigators. Progression of Atrial Fibrillation after Cryoablation or Drug Therapy. N Engl J Med. 2023 Jan 12;388(2):105-116. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2212540. Epub 2022 Nov 7.

    PubMed 36342178
  • Dickow J, Kirchhof P, Van Houten HK, Sangaralingham LR, Dinshaw LHW, Friedman PA, Packer DL, Noseworthy PA, Yao X. Generalizability of the EAST-AFNET 4 Trial: Assessing Outcomes of Early Rhythm-Control Therapy in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation. J Am Heart Assoc. 2022 Jun 7;11(11):e024214. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.121.024214. Epub 2022 May 27.

    PubMed 35621202
  • Dickow J, Kany S, Roth Cardoso V, Ellinor PT, Gkoutos GV, Van Houten HK, Kirchhof P, Metzner A, Noseworthy PA, Yao X, Rillig A. Outcomes of Early Rhythm Control Therapy in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and a High Comorbidity Burden in Large Real-World Cohorts. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2023 May;16(5):e011585. doi: 10.1161/CIRCEP.122.011585. Epub 2023 Mar 21.

    PubMed 36942567

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Early atrial fibrillation ablation in people with Atrial Fibrillation, run by Atrial Fibrillation Network at 7 sites in 7 countries.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 12 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 7 sites in Australia, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Poland and 2 more countries. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Antje Albring, Dr. (+49 251 980 1330, easthigh@af-net.eu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Composite of cardiovascular complications related to AF (time frame: Throughout study completion, estimated at a mean of 4 years). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06324188, which also lists 7 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 8 Jan 2026.

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