Left Atrial Function After Ablation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Radiofrequency ablation of the pulmonary veins has been used to treat patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), and atrial damage after ablation is an issue of concern. To evaluate left atrial function shortly and midterm after ablation, 33 consecutive patients with paroxysmal AF were studied at baseline, 24 hours, and ≥6 months after ablation. Patients in sinus rhythm with normal ventricular function were included in the study. Echocardiographic measurements of left atrial volumes (Simpson's rule) and transmitral and tissue Doppler myocardial (A′) velocities at the septal and lateral mitral annulus were undertaken at each time. Left atrial emptying fraction (EF; maximal − minimal left atrial volume/maximal left atrial volume) was used to express left atrial function. After 8 ± 2 months, 30 of 33 patients returned (23 men, age 53 ± 13 years), and all except 2 were in sinus rhythm. Shortly after ablation, left atrial minimal volumes increased (from 30 ± 15 to 35 ± 15 ml; p = 0.02), with maximal volumes unchanged, resulting in decreased left atrial EF (from 47 ± 8 to 40 ± 7 ml; p