The role of chronic atrial stretch and atrial fibrillation on posterior left atrial wall conduction

Abstract

Background: The posterior left atrium (LA) is involved in the initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare conduction patterns on the posterior LA in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR), with and without AF. Methods: Epicardial mapping of the posterior LA was performed in 23 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Patients were included in one of three groups: Group A-patients in sinus rhythm with normal left ventricular function undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, Group B-patients in sinus rhythm with MR undergoing mitral valve surgery, or Group C-patients in persistent AF with MR undergoing mitral valve surgery. Conduc..