Adjunctive Renal Denervation in the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation

The purpose of this study is to examine the potential additional benefit of performing renal sympathetic denervation at the same time as an AF ablation procedure, in order to improve the long-term success of the AF procedure. To take part in this study, you must meet all study requirements. Screening visit tests and procedures such as a physical exam, blood pressure, review of medical history, blood sample, and a Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) are done to see if you are eligible to be in the study. Patients who qualify for the study and provide consent will undergo catheter ablation for AF. Very thin electrode catheters, similar to long wires, will be inserted into blood vessels in the groin. Using the ablation catheter, we will "ablate" or damage the tissue adjacent to your pulmonary veins that is not behaving normally. Immediately following the catheter ablation, patients will undergo a renal angiogram in order to assess suitability for catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation. A renal angiogram is an x-ray study of the blood vessels in the kidney to evaluate for blockage, and abnormalities that could be affecting the blood supply to the kidney. It is performed by injecting contrast dye through a catheter (a tiny tube) into the blood vessels of the kidney.