2576ANTOLINI M et al.
Circulation JournalOfficial Journal of the Japanese Circulation Society http://www. j-circ.or.jp dent predictor of LA function improvement at follow-up, but previous studies have not identified a cut-off of LA function able to predict LA functional recovery. 8 The aim of this mono-center prospective study was therefore to clarify the effect of AF ablation on LA function according to baseline atrial performance.
Methods
Patient EnrollmentFrom March to December 2013, all consecutive patients who underwent catheter ablation for paroxysmal or persistent AF in the electrophysiology laboratory were considered for enrollment. Only those who presented in sinus rhythm at baseline adiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is an effective treatment in rhythm-control therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF), with a reduction in AF recurrence ranging from 50 to 80%. 1-3 By promoting a reduction in arrhythmic burden, RFCA improves symptoms and quality of life. 4,5Despite both structural and functional changes after RFCA having been extensively studied, the effect of AF ablation on left atrial (LA) function has not yet been sufficiently determined and remains a pivotal topic also with regard to the consequences of decision on whether to discontinue anticoagulation after successful ablation. 6 In patients with impaired LA function, the risk of thrombus formation is potentially augmented, irrespective of the classical risk factors. 7Pre-ablation LA function has been identified as an indepen- Background: Data are lacking on the effect of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) on atrial function. The aim of this study was to determine a cut-off of pre-ablation left atrial (LA) function in order to predict atrial functional recovery after RFCA.
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