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Left atrial appendage function assessed by transesophageal echocardiography before and on the day after elective
P Bellotti1, P Spirito, G Lupi
1Divisione di Cardiologia, Ente Ospedaliero Ospedali Galliera, Genova, Italy.
Insights
External electrical cardioversion restored left atrial appendage function in most patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Transesophageal echocardiography showed synchronized appendage contraction after successful rhythm restoration.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Electrophysiology
Background:
- Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) poses risks due to impaired atrial appendage function.
- Restoration of sinus rhythm is a primary goal in managing atrial fibrillation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess left atrial appendage (LAA) function after external electrical cardioversion in NVAF patients.
- To determine the correlation between restored atrial activity and LAA contraction.
Main Methods:
- Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was used to evaluate LAA function.
- 41 patients with NVAF underwent cardioversion and subsequent TEE the following day.
Main Results:
- Left atrial appendage contraction synchronized with atrial electrical and mechanical activity post-cardioversion.
- Successful rhythm restoration and synchronized LAA function were observed in approximately 70% of patients.
Conclusions:
- External electrical cardioversion can effectively restore LAA function in NVAF patients.
- Synchronized LAA contraction post-cardioversion indicates improved hemodynamic function.
Abstract:
We investigated left atrial appendage function by transesophageal echocardiography, on the day after external electrical cardioversion to sinus rhythm, in 41 patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. After cardioversion, appendage contraction synchronized with the electrical and mechanical activity of the atrium, which was restored in about 70% of the patients.