Left Atrial Functions in the Early Period after Cryoballoon Ablation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Purpose: In patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), functional changes are observed in the left atrium (LA) after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) procedure. Although previous studies have investigated the altered mechanical functions of the LA with radiofrequency (RF) ablation, changes in the LA functions in the early period after cryoablation (CB-2) have not been clearly demonstrated. This study aims to explore the early periodical changes in mechanical functions of the LA in patients with PAF who underwent CB-2 based ablation through the help of echocardiographic methods which contain Doppler and strain parameters. Methods: Consecutive seventy-seven patients (mean age: 57.5±11.2; 57% men) with PAF underwent CB-2 were prospectively analyzed. All patients were in sinus rhythm before and after the procedure. The LA dimensions, the LA reservoir strain, the LA atrial contractile strain and the LA conduit strain and left ventricular diastolic function parameters were evaluated by Doppler echocardiography before and 3 months after the procedure. Results: Acute procedural success was achieved in all cases. No major complications were observed. LA reservoir strain and LA contractile strain showed significant recovery after the procedure. (28.3±12.8 vs 34.6±13.8, p<0.001 and -10.8±7.9 vs -13.9±9.3,p=0.014 respectively). No significant change was demonstrated in other echocardiographic parameters. Conclusion: Significant improvement in mechanical functions may occur even in the early period after cryoballoon ablation in patients with PAF.