Anatomically Determined Functional Conduction Delay in the Posterior Left Atrium. Relationship to Structural Heart Disease

Abstract

Objectives: This study sought to characterize the conduction properties of the posterior left atrium (PLA) in patients with different forms of structural heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery. Background: The PLA plays an important role in the initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation. Methods: This study included 34 patients having elective cardiac surgery. There were 4 groups of patients: normal left ventricular (LV) function (coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]); severe LV dysfunction (LVF/CABG); severe mitral regurgitation (MR); severe aortic stenosis (AS). Epicardial mapping of the PLA was performed in sinus rhythm and during differential pacing. Activation patterns, regio..