ICT-based Monitoring for Arrhythmia Detection After AF Ablation

Efficacy and Stability of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-Based Centralized Monitoring System for Arrhythmia Detection After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: a Prospective, Randomized Controlled, Multicenter Study

To compare the efficacy and stability of an ICT-based centralized clinical trial monitoring system against the efficacy and stability of an existing outpatient-based electrocardiogram (ECG) and Holter monitoring system for arrhythmia detection after atrial fibrillation ablation, and to test whether such continuous monitoring can better detect arrhythmia that is undetectable by existing methods and how this may affect treatment outcomes

This clinical trial is a prospective, randomized, controlled, multicenter study in patients who are capable of using and consent to use a smartphone-based ECG monitoring after ablation for atrial fibrillation. The patients will be randomly assigned to either the Holter monitoring or ICT-based centralized clinical trial monitoring system group in a 1:1 ratio and will undergo monitoring from immediately after the procedure to 12 months after discharge.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 20 years, but < 80 years
2. Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation
3. Patients with sustained atrial fibrillation despite ≥ 6 weeks of continuous antiarrhythmia therapy or those who underwent an ablation procedure for tachy-bradycardia syndrome within the previous week
4. Patients who can be followed-up for at least 3 months after ablation
5. Patients who can use and consent to use smartphone-based ECG monitoring
6. Patients who can use a smartphone (Android, version 5.0 or lower; development planned for version 6.0 or higher)
7. Those who can connect to the internet via LAN or WiFi and are in an environment where they can use a gateway and smartphone.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who cannot be monitored by a smartphone or Bluetooth device
2. Patients who cannot use a smartphone, Bluetooth device, or the internet due to old age
3. Patients with contraindications to standard therapy, such as continued anticoagulant therapy before and after atrial fibrillation ablation
4. Patients belonging to a population vulnerable to clinical trials