Left atrial 'stunning' following radiofrequency catheter ablation of chronic atrial flutter

Abstract

Objectives. This study examined the effect of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) on left atrial (LA) and left atrial appendage (LAA) function in humans with chronic atrial flutter (AFL). Background. Atrial stunning and the development of spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC) is a consequence of electrical cardioversion of AFL to sinus rhythm. This phenomenon has been termed 'stunning' and is associated with thrombus formation and embolic stroke. Radiofrequency ablation is now considered to be definitive treatment for chronic AFL, but whether this procedure is complicated by LA stunning is unknown. Methods. Fifteen patients with chronic AFL undergoing curative RFA underwent transesophageal ..