LA PULSE: Evaluating Left Atrial Function Pre- and Post-Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Using PULSEd Field Ablation.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Electrophysiology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent arrhythmia linked to impaired left atrial function.
• The effect of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) via pulsed field ablation (PFA) on left atrial function remains understudied.
• Left atrial dysfunction is a key consequence of AF, impacting overall cardiac performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the impact of PVI using PFA on left atrial function in AF patients.
• To evaluate changes in left atrial strain parameters post-PFA procedure.
• To identify predictors of improved left atrial function after PVI with PFA.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study including 34 patients undergoing PVI with PFA.
• Echocardiography was used to assess left atrial function pre-procedure and at 6-month follow-up.
• Analysis included left atrial strain parameters, specifically left atrial reservoir strain (LASr).

Main Results:

• PVI with PFA was successfully performed in all patients.
• Significant improvements were observed in all left atrial strain parameters at 6 months.
• Left atrial reservoir strain (LASr) increased significantly from 12.5% to 21.7% (p < 0.001).
• Paroxysmal AF patients and those in sinus rhythm pre-procedure showed better LASr outcomes.

Conclusions:

• PFA-based PVI leads to substantial improvements in left atrial reservoir strain.
• These findings suggest a beneficial effect of PFA on atrial function in AF management.
• Further research is warranted to explore the long-term implications and therapeutic potential of PFA in AF.