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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Left atrial and left atrial appendage function in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
T Erdei1, Tamás Erdei, M Dénes
1Gottsegen Hungarian Institute of Cardiology, Budapest, Hungary. dr.erdei.tamas@freemail.hu
Insights
In paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) patients, mitral annular velocity (Aa) effectively assesses left atrial (LA) function. This finding correlates with other echocardiographic parameters and left atrial appendage (LAA) function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Echocardiography
- Atrial Fibrillation
Background:
- Limited information exists regarding left atrial (LA) and left atrial appendage (LAA) function in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF).
- Understanding these functions is crucial for managing PAF and assessing associated risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between left atrial (LA) function, left atrial appendage (LAA) function, and diastolic dysfunction in patients with nonvalvular PAF.
- To determine the utility of mitral annular velocity (Aa) in assessing LA function.
Main Methods:
- Echocardiography (transthoracic, tissue Doppler, transesophageal) was performed in 46 patients with nonvalvular PAF before catheter ablation.
- LA volumes, LA function (LA filling fraction, LA emptying fraction, pulmonary venous flow), and LAA function (peak LAA emptying flow velocity) were assessed.
- Diastolic dysfunction was evaluated using established criteria.
Main Results:
- Dilated LA volume index (LAVI) was observed in 32 patients, LA dysfunction in 20, and diastolic dysfunction with elevated LV filling pressure in 19.
- Mitral annular velocities (Aa) showed significant positive correlations with LA filling fraction, LA emptying fraction, systolic fraction of pulmonary venous flow, and peak LAA emptying flow velocity.
Conclusions:
- Mitral annular velocity (Aa) is a valuable parameter for assessing LA function in PAF patients.
- Aa velocity correlates positively with other echocardiographically derived LA functional parameters and LAA function.
Purpose:
In patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) little information is available about left atrial (LA)function, and there is less information about LA appendage (LAA) function, and about their relations.
Methods And Results:
46 patients were selected for catheter ablation (CA) because of nonvalvular PAF.Transthoracic, tissue Doppler and transoesophageal echocardiography was performed before CA. LA volumes and volume index (LAVI) were calculated. LA function was assessed by LA filling fraction (LAFF), LA emptying fraction (LAEF), systolic fraction of pulmonary venous flow (PVSF) and late diastolic velocities of mitral annulus(Aa,, A5at) LAA function was assessed by peak LAA emptying flow velocity (PLAAEFV). Diastolic dysfunction(DD) was also assessed. Dilated LAVI in 32, LA dysfunction in 20, DD with elevated LV filling pressure in 19 patients was found. Aa,at and Aa,p correlated with LAFF (r:0.53; p<0.001 and r:0.43; p<0.05), LAEF (r:0.51;p<0.001 and r:0.63; p<0.001), PVSF (r:0.49; p<0.001 and r:0.46; p<0.005) and PLAAEFV (r:0.58; p<0.001 and r:0.45; p<0.01).
Conclusions:
In PAF patients Aa velocity is useful to assess LA function and correlates positively with other TTE derived LA functional parameters and LAA function by TEE derived PLAAEFV.
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