P6469Catheter ablation during sinus rhythm is associated with acute loss of left atrial contractile function in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a strain study

Background: Catheter ablation is the recommended treatment in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the data on acute effects of catheter ablation on left atrial (LA) contractile function are scarce. Therefore, the purpose of the study was twofold: Purpose: Firstly, to describe acute effects of catheter ablation on LA contractile function in patients with paroxysmal AF and in sinus rhythm at the time of ablation. Secondly, to assess potential value of different indices of LA morphology and function. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 50 consecutive patients (age: 62±21 y, 65% female) with symptomatic paroxysmal AF and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (≥50%) undergoing the first catheter ablation, and 23 healthy controls. Patients with valvular AF or in AF at the time of ablation were excluded. All patients underwent comprehensive echocardiography at one day pre- and post- ablation. The LA reservoir, conduit and contractile strain and strain rate (SR) were assessed using 2D speckle tracking echocardiography as average of segmental values in apical views.