The Effect of Simulated Obstructive Apnoea and Hypopnoea on Heart Rhythm in Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

University of Zurich (UZH)

Status: Completed

Conditions: Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Treatments: Other: Inspiratory threshold; Other: Mueller manoeuvre; Other: Steady state normal breathing; Other: Expiratory apnoea

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01796080

PAF_V1.1 (05.07.2012)

Details and patient eligibility

About

In this randomised controlled cross-over study we will investigate whether intrathoracic pressure changes induced by simulated obstructive apnoea and hypopnoea trigger premature supraventricular and ventricular contractions as well as atrial fibrillation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Enrollment: 45 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 75 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18-75 years
• History of ECG-documented paroxysmal atrial fibrillation within the last 12 months and currently in sinus rhythm
• Informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Mental or physical disability precluding informed consent or compliance with the protocol
• Amiodarone or Dronedarone medication
• Previous radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation
• Severe structural heart disease

Trial design

Primary purpose: Diagnostic

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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45 participants in 4 patient groups

Mueller manoeuvre

Active Comparator group

Description:

Mueller manoeuvre lasting for 20 seconds

Treatment:

Other: Mueller manoeuvre

Inspiratory threshold

Active Comparator group

Description:

One continuous inspiration through an inspiratory threshold load for 20 seconds

Treatment:

Other: Inspiratory threshold

Expiratory apnoea

Active Comparator group

Description:

Expiratory apnoea (without respiratory effort) lasting for 20 seconds

Treatment:

Other: Expiratory apnoea

Steady state normal breathing

Sham Comparator group

Description:

Steady state normal breathing for 20 seconds

Treatment:

Other: Steady state normal breathing