Pulsed Field Ablation vs. Cryoballoon Ablation in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

This clinical study is being conducted to compare two different treatment methods for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart rhythm disorder. Atrial fibrillation occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat rapidly and irregularly. This can lead to symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath, or fatigue, and it increases the risk of stroke or heart failure. Persistent atrial fibrillation means that the irregular heart rhythm continues and does not stop on its own. Treatment often includes a procedure called catheter ablation, where special instruments are used to create small scars in the heart to block the abnormal electrical signals causing the arrhythmia. Currently, two main types of catheter ablation are used in Japan: Cryoballoon Ablation: A technique that uses extreme cold to create scars and isolate the pulmonary veins, which are often the source of the irregular signals. Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA): A newer technique that uses very short bursts of electrical energy to target the heart tissue, with the aim of reducing damage to surrounding structures. While pulsed field ablation has been introduced in Japan recently and seems to be safe, there is limited data about how well it works compared to cryoballoon ablation, especially in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. This study aims to find out whether pulsed field ablation is as effective and safe as cryoballoon ablation for treating persistent AF.