Left atrial functions in the early period after cryoballoon ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

In patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), functional changes are observed in the left atrium (LA) after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with catheter ablation. Although previous studies have investigated the altered mechanical functions of LA with radiofrequency (RF) ablation, changes in LA functions in the early period after cryoablation have not been clearly demonstrated.

Thirty three patients (mean age: 57±11; 54.5% men) with PAF underwent cryoablation procedure with second generation cryoballoon (CB-2). All patients were in sinus rhythm before and after the procedure. LA dimensions, LA strain parameters (LAsr-LAscd-LAsct) and left ventricular diastolic function parameters were evaluated by Doppler echocardiography before and 3 months after the procedure.

Acute procedural success was achieved in all cases. No major complications were occurred. A significant recovery in LA reservoir strain (p=0.009) was observed. No significant change was demonstrated in remaining echocardiographic parameters.

LA reservoir strain is an indicator of left atrial compliance and significant improvement in mechanical functions may occur even in the early period after cryoballoon ablation in patients with PAF in contrast to LA function deterioration observed in RF ablation.

Type of funding sources: None.