Effect of direct current shocks on left atrial mechanical function in patients with structural heart disease

Abstract

Objectives. This study examined the effect of endocardial and transthoracic direct current (DC) shocks on left atrial and left atrial appendage function in humans with structural heart disease. Background. DC cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm is associated with transient left atrial and left atrial appendage dysfunction and the development of spontaneous echo contrast (SEC). This phenomenon has been termed atrial 'stunning' and may be associated with thrombus formation and embolic stroke. To what extent the shock itself contributes to atrial stunning is unclear. Methods. Thirteen patients in sinus rhythm undergoing implantation of a ventricular implantable cardioverte..