Atrial Fibrillation (AF)Conquer-AFNCT07298473
Conquer-AF Protocol for Redo Ablation Procedures in Recurrent Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Using the Sphere-9 Catheter and Affera Ablation System (Conquer-AF)
A study testing Sphere-9 Catheter Ablation in people with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation, run by Medtronic Cardiac Ablation Solutions at 30 sites in 6 countries.
Trial summary
Conquer-AF is a prospective, multi-center, interventional, non-randomized clinical study that will enroll up to 400 subjects at up to 30 sites across the United States, Europe, and Australia. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Atrial Fibrillation (AF), Persistent Atrial Fibrillation, Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF)
- What is being tested?
- Sphere-9 Catheter Ablation
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 400 participants
- Where
- 30 sitesin 6 countries
- Study dates
- 8 Apr 2026to 29 Mar 2028
- 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
- 1. History of a single AF ablation procedure for PAF or PsAF within 3 years prior to enrollment 2. Documented evidence of symptomatic AF, AT or AFL recurrence at least 90 days after subject's de novo ablation procedure, as demonstrated by:
- A physicians' note indicating at least 1 symptomatic AF, AT, or AFL episode occurring within 12 months prior to the enrollment; and
- At least 1 electrocardiographically documented episode of AF, AT, or AFL within 12 months prior to enrollment 3. Adults who are ≥18 years of age on the day of enrollment 4. Willing and able to comply with all study requirements and provide informed consent
Who cannot join
- 1. Continuous AF lasting for 12 months or longer 2. LA anteroposterior >55 mm (by MRI, CT, or TTE), or if LA diameter not available, non-index volume >100 mL for PsAF subjects; OR LA anteroposterior >50 mm (by MRI, CT, or TTE), or if LA diameter not available, non-index volume >95 mL for PAF subjects 3. Previous left atrial percutaneous interventions including left atrial appendage occlusion and septal closure devices 4. Planned left atrial appendage (LAA) closure procedure, cardiac transplantation or implant of a permanent pacemaker, biventricular pacemaker, loop recorder/insertable cardiac monitor (ICM), or any type of implantable cardiac defibrillator (with or without biventricular pacing function) for any time during the follow-up period 5. More than 1 previous AF ablation procedure 6. Any prior surgical ablation procedure 7. Patient who is not on oral anticoagulation therapy for at least 3 weeks prior to the ablation procedure 8. Contraindication to or unwillingness to use systemic anticoagulation 9. Severe thrombocytosis, thrombocytopenia, or any bleeding or clotting disorder 10. Presence of a permanent pacemaker, biventricular pacemaker, loop recorder/insertable cardiac monitor (ICM), or any type of implantable cardiac defibrillator (with or without biventricular pacing function) 11. Presence of any pulmonary vein stents 12. Known pre-existing pulmonary vein stenosis 13. Pre-existing hemidiaphragmatic paralysis 14. Prior valvular (surgical or percutaneous) procedure including prosthetic, bioprosthetic, valve replacement, valve repair or valvuloplasty, or any prior atriotomy 15. Moderate to severe mitral valve or aortic stenosis 16. Moderate to severe mitral regurgitation (i.e., 3+ or 4+ MR) 17. Any cardiac surgery, myocardial infarction, PCI/PTCA or coronary artery stenting which occurred within the 3 months preceding the consent date 18. NYHA Class III or IV congestive heart failure 19. Documented left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40%, measured by acceptable cardiac testing (e.g., TTE) 20. Unstable angina 21. Severe lung disease, primary pulmonary hypertension, or any lung disease requiring supplemental oxygen 22. Rheumatic heart disease 23. Significant restrictive or obstructive pulmonary disease or chronic respiratory condition 24. Presence of left atrial thrombus on imaging 25. Active systemic infection or sepsis 26. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 27. Amyloid heart disease 28. Diagnosed atrial myxoma 29. Known reversible causes of AF (e.g., uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, severe untreated obstructive sleep apnea, acute alcohol toxicity or other reversible or non-cardiac cause) 30. Any cerebral ischemic event (strokes or TIAs) which occurred within the preceding 6 months of the consent date through the date of study index redo ablation procedure 31. Carotid stenting or endarterectomy 32. Thromboembolic event within the past 6 months or evidence of intracardiac thrombus at the time of the procedure 33. Body mass index > 40 kg/m2 34. Any woman known to be pregnant or breastfeeding, or any woman of childbearing potential who is not on a reliable form of birth regulation method or abstinence* 35. Patient with life expectancy that makes it unlikely 12 months of follow-up will be completed 36. Current or anticipated participation in any other clinical study of a drug, device or biologic during the duration of the study not pre-approved by Medtronic 37. Renal insufficiency with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73 m2, or any history of renal failure requiring dialysis or renal transplant 38. Presence of intramural thrombus, tumor, or other abnormality that precludes vascular access, catheter introduction, or manipulation 39. Presence of an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter (e.g., Greenfield or similar) that would preclude safe transfemoral venous access, catheter passage, or sheath manipulation.
- 40. Known drug or alcohol dependency 41. Significant congenital anomaly or medical problem that would, in the opinion of the investigator, preclude enrollment, follow-up compliance, or the scientific integrity of the study
- Women who are of child-bearing potential must undergo a pregnancy test after consent and prior to the study index redo ablation procedure, as allowed according to local regulations
Trial locations and contacts
30 sites in 6 countries. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
30 sites in 6 countries
United States22 sites, 22 recruiting
- Recruiting
Piedmont Heart Institute
Atlanta, Georgia, 30309
Sandeep Goyal, 404-605-5000, sandeep.goyal@piedmont.org
Sandeep Goyal, MD
- Recruiting
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital
Birmingham, Alabama, 35233
Hugh Thomas McElderry, (205) 934-2525, tommcelderry@uabmc.edu
Hugh Thomas McElderry, MD
- Recruiting
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114-2621
Moussa Mansour, (617) 726-2928, mmansour@mgh.harvard.edu
Moussa Mansour, MD
- Recruiting
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Cleveland, Ohio, 44195
Ayman Hussein, (216) 444-6697, husseia@ccf.org
Ayman Hussein, MD
- Recruiting
OhioHealth Research and Innovation Institute (OHRI)
Columbus, Ohio, 43214-3467
Anish Amin, (614) 262-6772, anish.amin@ohiohealth.com
Anish Amin, MD
- Recruiting
Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Foundation
Dallas, Texas, 75226
Andrea Natale, (512) 807-3150, tcarfan@gmail.com
Andrea Natale, MD
- Recruiting
Inova Fairfax Hospital
Falls Church, Virginia, 22042
Stephen Gaeta, 703-776-4001, stephen.gaeta@inova.org
Stephen Gaeta, MD
- Recruiting
Texas Health Fort Worth
Fort Worth, Texas, 76104
Theodore Takata, 817-250-2000, theodoretakata@texashealth.org
Theodore Takata, MD
- Recruiting
Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute (Midwest Heart and Vascular Specialist)
Kansas City, Missouri, 64111
Dhanunjaya Lakkireddy, 816-276-4000, dhanunjaya.lakkireddy@hcahealthcare.com
Dhanunjaya Lakkireddy, MD
- Not yet recruiting
Scripps Green Hospital
La Jolla, California, 92037
Douglas Gibson, (858) 455-9100, gibson.douglasmd@scrippshealth.org
Douglas Gibson, MD
- Recruiting
Cedars Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, California, 90048-1804
Michael Shehata, 310-423-3277, michael.shehata@cshs.org
Michael Shehata, MD
- Recruiting
Centra Medical Group Stroobants Cardiovascular Center
Lynchburg, Virginia, 24501
Chinmaya Mareddy, 434-200-3000, chinmaya.mareddy@centrahealth.com
Chinmaya Mareddy, MD
- Recruiting
NCH Rooney Heart Institute
Naples, Florida, 34102
Dinesh Sharma, 239-624-5000, dinesh.sharma@nchmd.org
Dinesh Sharma, MD
- Recruiting
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee, 37232-0019
Zachary Yoneda, (615) 457-7391, zachary.t.yoneda@vumc.org
Zachary Yoneda, MD
- Recruiting
Northwell Health Lenox Hill Hospital
New Hyde Park, New York, 11040-1402
Haisam Ismail, (718) 470-7330, hismail@northwell.edu
Haisam Ismail, MD
- Recruiting
NYU Langone Health
New York, New York, 10016-4972
Larry Chinitz, 212-263-7300, larry.chinitz@nyulangone.org
Larry Chinitz, MD
- Recruiting
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Newport News, Virginia, 23606-2981
Venkat Iyer, (757) 499-2825, viyer@cval.org
Venkat Iyer, MD
- Recruiting
AdventHealth Cardiovascular Research Institute
Orlando, Florida, 32803
Usman Siddiqui, 407-303-5600, siddiqui.u@gmail.com
Usman Siddiqui, MD
- Recruiting
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104
Saman Nazarian, (215) 615-5220, saman.nazarian@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Saman Nazarian, MD
- Recruiting
Allegheny General Hospital
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15212-4756
Amit Thosani, (412) 310-6711, amit.thosani@ahn.org
Amit Thosani, MD
- Recruiting
Memorial Health University Medical Center
Savannah, Georgia, 31404
Todd Senn, 912-350-8000, todd.senn@hcahealthcare.com
Todd Senn, MD
- Recruiting
Montefiore Medical Center
The Bronx, New York, 10467
Luigi Di Biase, (718) 920-4116, ldibiase@montefiore.org
Luigi Di Biase, MD
Australia3 sites, 3 recruiting
- Recruiting
Adelaide University
Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Prashanthan Sanders, +61 882222723, prash.sanders@adelaide.edu.au
Sanders Prashanthan, MD
- Recruiting
The Royal Melbourne Hospital
Parkville, Victoria, 3050
Jonathan M Kalman, +61 393495400, jon.kalman@mh.org.au
Jonathan M Kalman, MD
- Recruiting
Westmead Hospital
Westmead, New South Wales, 2145
Stuart Thomas, 61 2 8890 5555, stuart.thomas@sydney.edu.au
Stuart Thomas, MD
Czechia2 sites, 2 recruiting
- Not yet recruiting
IKEM - Institut Klinické a Experimentální Medicíny
Prague, 140 21
Josef Kautzner, +420 261365006, josef.kautzner@ikem.cz
Josef Kautzner, MD
- Not yet recruiting
Motol and Homolka University Hospital
Prague, 150 30
Petr Neuzil, +420 257272211, pneuzil@seznam.cz
Petr Neuzil, MD
Belgium1 site, 1 recruiting
- Not yet recruiting
Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel
Brussels, 1090
Andrea Sarkozy, +32 24774111, andrea.sarkozy@uzbrussel.be
Andrea Sarkozy, MD
France1 site, 1 recruiting
- Not yet recruiting
Clinique Pasteur
Toulouse, 31076
Jean-Paul Albenque, +33 562211645, j.albenque@clinique-pasteur.com
Jean-Paul Albenque, MD
Switzerland1 site, 1 recruiting
- Not yet recruiting
Inselspital - Universitätsspital Bern
Bern, 3010
Tobias Reichlin, +41 316640050, tobias.reichlin@insel.ch
Tobias Reichlin, MD
About this study
Conquer-AF is a prospective, multi-center, interventional, non-randomized clinical study that will enroll up to 400 subjects at up to 30 sites across the United States, Europe, and Australia.
Subjects diagnosed with symptomatic recurrent paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation after a single prior ablation procedure will be enrolled in this study. Each subject will undergo a study index redo ablation procedure using the Sphere-9 Catheter and Affera Ablation System and will be followed for 12 months. The expected total study duration (from time of first enrollment to the exit of last enrolled subject) is approximately 2 years.
Read the detailed description
The Conquer-AF study is a prospective, multi-center, interventional, non-randomized clinical study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Sphere-9 Catheter and Affera Ablation System, when used in conjunction with the Affera Mapping System or Affera Integrated Mapping System, in patients undergoing redo ablation for symptomatic recurrent paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation following a single prior ablation procedure.
This study will enroll up to 400 subjects diagnosed with symptomatic recurrent PAF and PsAF and will be conducted at up to 30 study sites located across the United States, Europe, and Australia. No single site may enroll more than 60 (with no more than 37 in either cohort) subjects to ensure a reasonable distribution of subjects across sites.
Adult subjects with symptomatic recurrent PAF and PsAF will undergo a study index redo ablation procedure with the Sphere-9 Catheter and Affera Ablation System. Following the study index redo ablation procedure and hospital discharge, all study subjects will be followed at 7 days, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months post-procedure. Subjects will be exited from the study at the conclusion of the 12-month follow-up visit and associated 24-hour Holter. The expected total study duration is approximately 2 years, representing approximately 12 months of enrollment and 12 months of subject follow-up. Treated subjects will not be replaced with newly enrolled subjects upon early study exit.
- Conditions
- Atrial Fibrillation (AF), Persistent Atrial Fibrillation, Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF)
- Being tested
- Sphere-9 Catheter Ablation
- Keywords
- Sphere-9 Catheter, Affera Ablation System, Affera Mapping System, Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA), Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), Dual-Energy Ablation, Atrial Fibrillation, Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation, Persistent Atrial Fibrillation, Redo Ablation, Repeat Ablation, Electrophysiology Mapping, 3D Cardiac Mapping, Left Atrial Ablation, Redo AF Ablation, Repeat Ablation Procedures
- Medical subject headings
- Atrial Fibrillation
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Sphere-9 Catheter AblationDevice
Also called Affera Ablation System, Affera Mapping System
Redo atrial fibrillation ablation performed using the Sphere-9 Catheter in conjunction with the Affera Ablation System and Affera Mapping System. The intervention delivers radiofrequency and pulsed field energy according to the study protocol for treatment of recurrent paroxysmal or persistent AF. All participants receive this device-based ablation procedure.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Single Arm: Redo AF Ablation with Sphere-9 Catheter | Experimental | Participants undergo a redo atrial fibrillation ablation using the Sphere-9 Catheter and the Affera Ablation System per study protocol. All subjects receive the same intervention with no control or comparator arm. Receives: Device: Sphere-9 Catheter Ablation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Effectiveness: Number of Participants With Treatment Success.
Treatment success is defined to be freedom from treatment failure. The study requires 24-hour Holter monitoring at 6 and 12 months, weekly and symptomatic patient activated TTM transmissions through 12 months, and 12-lead ECGs or TTMs at all follow up visits. Treatment failure is defined as any of the following components:
- Inability to successfully complete the study index redo ablation procedure utilizing the Sphere-9 Catheter and Affera Ablation System exclusively
- Documented AF/AT/AFL after the 90-day post-ablation blanking period
- Any subsequent catheter or surgical ablation, for recurrent AF/AT/AFL including repeat redo ablation at any time during the study
- Direct current or pharmacological cardioversion for AF/AT/AFL recurrences after the 90-day blanking period (See section 9.11)
- Use of a Class I or III AAD at a higher daily dose than the pre-ablation maximum dose after the 90-day blanking period and on or before day 365.
- Initiation of a new Class I or III AAD after t
Measured: 12-months post-redo ablation procedure
Safety: Number of Participants With at Least One Primary Safety Event
Primary safety events include:
- 7 days of post-ablation: AKI requiring dialysis, new hospitalization >48 hours, or prolongation of hospitalization >48 hours beyond expected discharge, Death, Heart block requiring pacemaker, Major bleeding requiring transfusion, MI, Permanent phrenic nerve paralysis, Pulmonary edema, Severe pericarditis, Significant pericardial effusion/tamponade, Stroke/CVA, Systemic/pulmonary embolism requiring intervention, TIA, Vagal nerve injury resulting in esophageal dysmotility or gastroparesis, Vascular access complications requiring intervention, Any Sphere-9 Catheter or Affera Mapping \& Ablation System device- or procedure-related cardiovascular and/or pulmonary AE that prolongs or requires hospitalization >48 hours (excl recurrent AF/AT/AFL)
- 3 months post-ablation: Atrioesophageal fistula/esophago-pericardial fistula, Esophageal perforation (procedure \& Sphere-9 Catheter related)
- 6 months post-ablation: Pulmonary vein stenosis (≥70% diameter reduction)
Measured: 6-months post-redo ablation procedure
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted23 Dec 2025
- Study start8 Apr 2026
- Primary completion29 Mar 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion29 Mar 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Atrial Fibrillation (AF)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Model description
- This is a prospective, multi-center, single-arm study in which all enrolled participants undergo a redo atrial fibrillation ablation using the Sphere-9 Catheter and Affera Ablation System. There is no randomization or control groups. All subjects who have the Sphere-9™ Catheter inserted into the vasculature are included in the Primary Analysis Group. Subjects who exit the study prior to catheter insertion are classified as non-treated and are not included in the primary analysis.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 400 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Medtronic Cardiac Ablation Solutions
- Sponsor type
- Industry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Khaldoun Tarakji, MD, Study director, Medtronic
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07298473
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- MDT25005
- Acronym
- Conquer-AF
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 19 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 19 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- Yes
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 19 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Conquer-AF Protocol for Redo Ablation Procedures in Recurrent Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Using the Sphere-9 Catheter and Affera Ablation System (Conquer-AF)
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07298473
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Conquer-AF / MDT25005
- Conditions
- Atrial Fibrillation (AF), Persistent Atrial Fibrillation, Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF)
- Keywords
- Sphere-9 Catheter, Affera Ablation System, Affera Mapping System, Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA), Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), Dual-Energy Ablation, Atrial Fibrillation, Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 400 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Medtronic Cardiac Ablation SolutionsIndustry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Study start
- 8 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 29 Mar 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 29 Mar 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 23 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Conquer-AF is a prospective, multi-center, interventional, non-randomized clinical study that will enroll up to 400 subjects at up to 30 sites across the United States, Europe, and Australia.
Subjects diagnosed with symptomatic recurrent paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation after a single prior ablation procedure will be enrolled in this study. Each subject will undergo a study index redo ablation procedure using the Sphere-9 Catheter and Affera Ablation System and will be followed for 12 months. The expected total study duration (from time of first enrollment to the exit of last enrolled subject) is approximately 2 years.
Detailed description
The Conquer-AF study is a prospective, multi-center, interventional, non-randomized clinical study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Sphere-9 Catheter and Affera Ablation System, when used in conjunction with the Affera Mapping System or Affera Integrated Mapping System, in patients undergoing redo ablation for symptomatic recurrent paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation following a single prior ablation procedure.
This study will enroll up to 400 subjects diagnosed with symptomatic recurrent PAF and PsAF and will be conducted at up to 30 study sites located across the United States, Europe, and Australia. No single site may enroll more than 60 (with no more than 37 in either cohort) subjects to ensure a reasonable distribution of subjects across sites.
Adult subjects with symptomatic recurrent PAF and PsAF will undergo a study index redo ablation procedure with the Sphere-9 Catheter and Affera Ablation System. Following the study index redo ablation procedure and hospital discharge, all study subjects will be followed at 7 days, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months post-procedure. Subjects will be exited from the study at the conclusion of the 12-month follow-up visit and associated 24-hour Holter. The expected total study duration is approximately 2 years, representing approximately 12 months of enrollment and 12 months of subject follow-up. Treated subjects will not be replaced with newly enrolled subjects upon early study exit.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
- Model description
- This is a prospective, multi-center, single-arm study in which all enrolled participants undergo a redo atrial fibrillation ablation using the Sphere-9 Catheter and Affera Ablation System. There is no randomization or control groups. All subjects who have the Sphere-9™ Catheter inserted into the vasculature are included in the Primary Analysis Group. Subjects who exit the study prior to catheter insertion are classified as non-treated and are not included in the primary analysis.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Single Arm: Redo AF Ablation with Sphere-9 Catheter | Experimental | Device: Sphere-9 Catheter AblationParticipants undergo a redo atrial fibrillation ablation using the Sphere-9 Catheter and the Affera Ablation System per study protocol. All subjects receive the same intervention with no control or comparator arm. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- 1. History of a single AF ablation procedure for PAF or PsAF within 3 years prior to enrollment 2. Documented evidence of symptomatic AF, AT or AFL recurrence at least 90 days after subject's de novo ablation procedure, as demonstrated by:
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- 1. Continuous AF lasting for 12 months or longer 2. LA anteroposterior >55 mm (by MRI, CT, or TTE), or if LA diameter not available, non-index volume >100 mL for PsAF subjects; OR LA anteroposterior >50 mm (by MRI, CT, or TTE), or if LA diameter not available, non-index volume >95 mL for PAF subjects 3. Previous left atrial percutaneous interventions including left atrial appendage occlusion and septal closure devices 4. Planned left atrial appendage (LAA) closure procedure, cardiac transplantation or implant of a permanent pacemaker, biventricular pacemaker, loop recorder/insertable cardiac monitor (ICM), or any type of implantable cardiac defibrillator (with or without biventricular pacing function) for any time during the follow-up period 5. More than 1 previous AF ablation procedure 6. Any prior surgical ablation procedure 7. Patient who is not on oral anticoagulation therapy for at least 3 weeks prior to the ablation procedure 8. Contraindication to or unwillingness to use systemic anticoagulation 9. Severe thrombocytosis, thrombocytopenia, or any bleeding or clotting disorder 10. Presence of a permanent pacemaker, biventricular pacemaker, loop recorder/insertable cardiac monitor (ICM), or any type of implantable cardiac defibrillator (with or without biventricular pacing function) 11. Presence of any pulmonary vein stents 12. Known pre-existing pulmonary vein stenosis 13. Pre-existing hemidiaphragmatic paralysis 14. Prior valvular (surgical or percutaneous) procedure including prosthetic, bioprosthetic, valve replacement, valve repair or valvuloplasty, or any prior atriotomy 15. Moderate to severe mitral valve or aortic stenosis 16. Moderate to severe mitral regurgitation (i.e., 3+ or 4+ MR) 17. Any cardiac surgery, myocardial infarction, PCI/PTCA or coronary artery stenting which occurred within the 3 months preceding the consent date 18. NYHA Class III or IV congestive heart failure 19. Documented left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40%, measured by acceptable cardiac testing (e.g., TTE) 20. Unstable angina 21. Severe lung disease, primary pulmonary hypertension, or any lung disease requiring supplemental oxygen 22. Rheumatic heart disease 23. Significant restrictive or obstructive pulmonary disease or chronic respiratory condition 24. Presence of left atrial thrombus on imaging 25. Active systemic infection or sepsis 26. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 27. Amyloid heart disease 28. Diagnosed atrial myxoma 29. Known reversible causes of AF (e.g., uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, severe untreated obstructive sleep apnea, acute alcohol toxicity or other reversible or non-cardiac cause) 30. Any cerebral ischemic event (strokes or TIAs) which occurred within the preceding 6 months of the consent date through the date of study index redo ablation procedure 31. Carotid stenting or endarterectomy 32. Thromboembolic event within the past 6 months or evidence of intracardiac thrombus at the time of the procedure 33. Body mass index > 40 kg/m2 34. Any woman known to be pregnant or breastfeeding, or any woman of childbearing potential who is not on a reliable form of birth regulation method or abstinence* 35. Patient with life expectancy that makes it unlikely 12 months of follow-up will be completed 36. Current or anticipated participation in any other clinical study of a drug, device or biologic during the duration of the study not pre-approved by Medtronic 37. Renal insufficiency with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73 m2, or any history of renal failure requiring dialysis or renal transplant 38. Presence of intramural thrombus, tumor, or other abnormality that precludes vascular access, catheter introduction, or manipulation 39. Presence of an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter (e.g., Greenfield or similar) that would preclude safe transfemoral venous access, catheter passage, or sheath manipulation.
- 40. Known drug or alcohol dependency 41. Significant congenital anomaly or medical problem that would, in the opinion of the investigator, preclude enrollment, follow-up compliance, or the scientific integrity of the study
- Women who are of child-bearing potential must undergo a pregnancy test after consent and prior to the study index redo ablation procedure, as allowed according to local regulations
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Sphere-9 Catheter AblationAlso: Affera Ablation System, Affera Mapping SystemRedo atrial fibrillation ablation performed using the Sphere-9 Catheter in conjunction with the Affera Ablation System and Affera Mapping System. The intervention delivers radiofrequency and pulsed field energy according to the study protocol for treatment of recurrent paroxysmal or persistent AF. All participants receive this device-based ablation procedure. | Device | Single Arm: Redo AF Ablation with Sphere-9 Catheter |
Primary outcome
Effectiveness: Number of Participants With Treatment Success.
Time frame: 12-months post-redo ablation procedure
Treatment success is defined to be freedom from treatment failure. The study requires 24-hour Holter monitoring at 6 and 12 months, weekly and symptomatic patient activated TTM transmissions through 12 months, and 12-lead ECGs or TTMs at all follow up visits. Treatment failure is defined as any of the following components: * Inability to successfully complete the study index redo ablation procedure utilizing the Sphere-9 Catheter and Affera Ablation System exclusively * Documented AF/AT/AFL after the 90-day post-ablation blanking period * Any subsequent catheter or surgical ablation, for recurrent AF/AT/AFL including repeat redo ablation at any time during the study * Direct current or pharmacological cardioversion for AF/AT/AFL recurrences after the 90-day blanking period (See section 9.11) * Use of a Class I or III AAD at a higher daily dose than the pre-ablation maximum dose after the 90-day blanking period and on or before day 365. * Initiation of a new Class I or III AAD after t
Safety: Number of Participants With at Least One Primary Safety Event
Time frame: 6-months post-redo ablation procedure
Primary safety events include: * 7 days of post-ablation: AKI requiring dialysis, new hospitalization >48 hours, or prolongation of hospitalization >48 hours beyond expected discharge, Death, Heart block requiring pacemaker, Major bleeding requiring transfusion, MI, Permanent phrenic nerve paralysis, Pulmonary edema, Severe pericarditis, Significant pericardial effusion/tamponade, Stroke/CVA, Systemic/pulmonary embolism requiring intervention, TIA, Vagal nerve injury resulting in esophageal dysmotility or gastroparesis, Vascular access complications requiring intervention, Any Sphere-9 Catheter or Affera Mapping \& Ablation System device- or procedure-related cardiovascular and/or pulmonary AE that prolongs or requires hospitalization >48 hours (excl recurrent AF/AT/AFL) * 3 months post-ablation: Atrioesophageal fistula/esophago-pericardial fistula, Esophageal perforation (procedure \& Sphere-9 Catheter related) * 6 months post-ablation: Pulmonary vein stenosis (≥70% diameter reduction)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 19 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Khaldoun Tarakji, MD study director
Medtronic
30 sites in 6 countries: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Sphere-9 Catheter Ablation in people with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation, run by Medtronic Cardiac Ablation Solutions at 30 sites in 6 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 3 inclusion and 3 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 19 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 30 sites in United States, Australia, Czechia, Belgium, France and 1 more country. 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 Ryan S Radtke, Bachelors of Science- Biology (712-941-9372, ryan.s.radtke@medtronic.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Effectiveness: Number of Participants With Treatment Success. (time frame: 12-months post-redo ablation procedure). 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?
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 19 Oct 2026.