If you have persistent atrial fibrillation (AFib) and are considering catheter ablation, you may qualify for the EMPIRE-AF clinical trial at UHealth and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
Researchers are studying whether an advanced heart-mapping approach can help identify the electrical signals that may be driving AFib in individual patients and improve the success of treatment. EMPIRE-AF is evaluating a technology called electrogram morphology recurrence (EMR) mapping, an investigational technique designed to guide ablation decisions using information unique to each patient.
Interested in learning more?
Call: 305-243-6519 or 786-320-1940
Email: cgm91@med.miami.edu
What Is AFib?
Atrial fibrillation, commonly called AFib, is the most common long-lasting heart rhythm disorder. It causes rapid, irregular electrical activity in the upper chambers of the heart, known as the atria. AFib can affect quality of life and may increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and other cardiovascular complications.
For many people, medications help manage symptoms. Others may need a procedure called catheter ablation to restore a more normal heart rhythm.
Why Is This AFib Study Important?
Catheter ablation has helped many people with AFib. However, outcomes remain less predictable for patients with persistent AFib, a form of the condition that does not stop on its own and often requires medical treatment.
Researchers leading EMPIRE-AF believe one challenge is that physicians currently do not have a reliable way to determine exactly which electrical signals are sustaining AFib in an individual patient.
The study is testing whether a more personalized approach to mapping these signals could help guide treatment decisions and improve long-term rhythm control.
What Is the EMPIRE-AF Clinical Trial?
EMPIRE-AF is a research study evaluating whether EMR mapping-guided ablation can increase the likelihood of maintaining a normal heart rhythm after catheter ablation.
Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups:
Standard-of-Care Treatment
Patients receive pulmonary vein isolation, the standard approach to AFib ablation.
EMR Mapping-Guided Treatment
Patients receive pulmonary vein isolation plus advanced mapping. If the mapping identifies additional areas that may be contributing to AFib, physicians may perform additional targeted ablation.
What Is EMR Mapping?
EMR stands for electrogram morphology recurrence.
Unlike traditional approaches that focus on electrical timing, EMR mapping analyzes recurring patterns in electrical signals recorded throughout the heart’s atria. Researchers believe these recurring patterns may help identify the areas responsible for sustaining AFib.
The technology is investigational and is currently being studied to better understand whether it can improve patient outcomes.
Who May Be Eligible?
You May Qualify If You:
- Have been diagnosed with persistent atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- Are being evaluated for or scheduled to undergo catheter ablation
- Meet additional screening requirements determined by the study team
The EMPIRE-AF study is specifically enrolling patients with persistent AFib. Eligibility is determined through conversations with the research team and your physician.
Important: Participation is voluntary. The study team will explain the study in detail, review potential risks and benefits and answer your questions before you decide whether to participate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the EMPIRE-AF Research Team
If you would like to learn more about the study or discuss whether participation may be right for you, contact:
Carlos G. Muñoz
Phone: 305-243-6519
Alternate Phone: 786-320-1940
Email: cgm91@med.miami.edu
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