AFCA efficacy in patients with impaired left ventricular systolic function improves when performed early in the natural history of atrial fibrillation and heart failure .
AFCA provides long-term benefits on left ventricular function , significantly reducing the number of patients with severely impaired systolic function
BACKGROUND Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation ( AFCA ) is an established therapeutic option for rhythm control in symptomatic patients .
Its efficacy and safety among patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction is based on small population s , and data concerning long-term outcome are limited .
We performed this meta- analysis to assess safety and long-term outcome of AFCA in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction , to evaluate predictors of recurrence and impact on left ventricular function .
Long-Term Improvement in Left Ventricular Strain After Successful Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Preserved Left Ventricular Systolic Function
Background —The effect of successful catheter ablation on left ventricular ( LV ) strain in patients with preserved LV systolic function is unknown . The aim of the present study was to assess the long-term effects of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation ( AF )  on LV strain and strain rate in patients with preserved LV ejection fraction . Methods and Results —In 78 patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF  , speckle tracking strain imaging was performed to assess LV strain in 3 directions ( radial , circumferential , and longitudinal ) at baseline and after 12-month follow-up . The study population was divided into 2 groups , according to the maintenance of sinus rhythm ( SR ) during follow-up . After 13.8±4.7 months of follow-up , 54 patients ( 69 % ) were in SR ( SR group ) , whereas 24 patients ( 31 % ) had recurrence of AF ( AF group ) . No significant changes in LV ejection fraction from baseline to follow-up were noted ( 60±7 % versus 59±7 % , P = NS ) . Circumferential strain improved significantly in the SR group ( −18.3±3.2 % versus −20.4±3.8 % , P<0.001 ) , whereas it remained unchanged in the AF group ( −18.9±3.5 % versus −17.9±3.1 % , P = NS ) . In the SR group , significant improvements in LV longitudinal strain and strain rate were noted , whereas in the AF group , LV longitudinal strain and strain rate deteriorated significantly at long-term follow-up . Conclusions —After successful catheter ablation , LV circumferential and longitudinal strain and strain rate improve significantly in patients who maintain SR . In contrast , a decrease in LV longitudinal strain and strain rate is observed in patients with recurrence of AF
AFCA efficacy in patients with impaired left ventricular systolic function improves when performed early in the natural history of atrial fibrillation and heart failure .
AFCA provides long-term benefits on left ventricular function , significantly reducing the number of patients with severely impaired systolic function
BACKGROUND Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation ( AFCA ) is an established therapeutic option for rhythm control in symptomatic patients .
Its efficacy and safety among patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction is based on small population s , and data concerning long-term outcome are limited .
We performed this meta- analysis to assess safety and long-term outcome of AFCA in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction , to evaluate predictors of recurrence and impact on left ventricular function .