Left atrial appendage contributes to left atrial booster function after the maze procedure: quantitative assessment...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiac Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• The left atrial appendage (LAA) is often excised during maze procedures to prevent thromboembolism.
• The functional role of the preserved LAA, particularly its contribution to left atrial (LA) booster function, remains incompletely understood.
• This study investigates the size and function of the LAA in patients undergoing maze procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively assess the size and booster function of the LAA after the maze procedure in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) and mitral valve disease (MVD).
• To compare LAA size and function in maze procedure patients with those in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and maintained sinus rhythm.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 23 patients who underwent the maze procedure (maze group) and 16 patients who underwent CABG (CABG group).
• The maze procedure involved radiofrequency ablation with LAA preservation.
• Quantitative evaluation of LA and LAA volume and booster function using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Sinus rhythm was successfully restored in all maze procedure patients.
• The maximal LA volume was larger in the maze group compared to the CABG group.
• While LAA volume was significantly larger in the maze group, LAA ejection fraction (EF) was comparable between the groups, indicating preserved LAA function despite reduced LA EF.

Conclusions:

• The left atrial appendage plays a significant role in left atrial booster function.
• LA booster function is notably deteriorated in patients following the maze procedure.
• Preservation of the LAA is important for maintaining atrial function in patients undergoing maze procedures.