About the Study
The Duke University School of Medicine Anesthesiology Department is looking at how two standard-of-care treatments for atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heartbeat) can affect a patient’s memory, communication, and coordination as well as affect their quality of life. Treatments include catheter ablation (procedure to stop abnormal electrical signals in the heart) and taking antiarrhythmic medications (medications that help reduce or manage heartbeat) by mouth.
What will I be asked to do?
- Complete online questionnaires to determine if you are a good candidate.
- Participate in three study visits at the Duke Brain Imaging Center on the Duke Medical Campus https://www.biac.duke.edu/research/participants.asp.
The first visit will be considered a “baseline” visit and the other two visits will take place around 9 months and 18 months later.
Each study visit will consist of the following activities:
- MRI scans of your brain. During the scans, you will be asked to rest with your eyes closed or to participate in a game or task.
- Blood collection (approx. 2 teaspoons or up to 35 mL per visit, additional 10 mL for baseline visit only).
- Neurocognitive and Neurological tests (for example, you will be asked a number of questions and asked to perform a number of tasks to assess your attention span and ability to concentrate).
- Questionnaires about your quality of life.
- Cardiac monitor patches will be provided to participants to wear for 14 days following 9-month and 18-month follow-up visit only.
Who can participate?
- We need 2 groups of individuals for this study:
- Men and Women ≥ 60 years old that are undergoing a catheter ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation.
- Men and Women ≥ 60 years old that are taking oral (by mouth) medications for atrial fibrillation.
- Must be able to take oral anticoagulants.
- No metallic implants, or history of claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces).
Is there any compensation?
Participants will be compensated for their time and participation in the study.
How do I get involved?
To volunteer for the study click here https://redcap.duke.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=XPRWTTK3TC.
We will contact you within the next few weeks if you are eligible to participate.
Duke NOGGIN Study (Pro00108524)
