Evaluation of Cardiac Dimension and Function after the Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: Comparison between the 1st and 2nd Session

There is concern that repeat catheter ablation (CA) for the patients (pts) with atrial fibrillation (Af) may decrease the cardiac function. Methods: We evaluated some echocardiographic parameters (LVEF, LAEF, LAESV, E/e′ and a′) in 66 pts (57±9.2 years old, 54 men, 33 paroxysmal Af, 33 chronic Af) with Af before and every 3 months after the CA. We compared the results between the 45 pts of 1st CA (1st group) and 21 pts of 2nd CA (2nd group). Results: The LAEF increased in both groups during 9.1±3.8 months follow up periods (1st group vs 2nd group: gain of LAEF (%); 8.8±15 vs 1.3±13, p=0.06), although the increase of LAEF in the 2nd group was relatively small. The LAESV and the a′ showed almost the same tendency (1st group vs 2nd group: decrease of LAESV (ml); 6.6±33 vs 1.7±68, p=n.s: a′ (cm/sec); 7.5±1.9 vs 6.6±1.8, p=0.07). There were no significant change in the ventricular parameters between the group. Conclusions: Several echocardiographic parameters showed the improvement in both groups. However, the amount of improvement in the atrial systolic function was relatively low in the 2nd group.