Journal of the American Heart Association, Volume 15, Issue 11 , June 2, 2026. BackgroundThe coexistence of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction is associated with greater morbidity and death than either condition alone.
Catheter ablation improves outcomes in selected patients, yet results in persistent AF remain unsatisfactory. Convergent hybrid ablation may offer more durable rhythm control by integrating epicardial and endocardial techniques to achieve homogeneous, transmural pulmonary vein and posterior wall isolation.
However, randomized data comparing ablation strategies in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction are lacking, leaving a critical evidence gap.MethodsHALT AF (Hybrid Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation With Heart Failure) is an investigator‐initiated, multicenter, prospective, open‐label, randomized controlled trial with blinded outcome assessment. A total of 120 patients with nonparoxysmal AF, left ventricular ejection fraction 30 seconds at 12 months and off class I/III antiarrhythmic drugs, excluding a 3‐month blanking period.
The primary safety end point is major adverse cardiovascular events within 30 days.
Journal of the American Heart Association published a clinical update in Cardiology on 30 May 2026.
The item focuses on Convergent Hybrid Ablation Versus Catheter Ablation in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure: HALT AF Study Protocol and Rationale for a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.
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