Left Atrial Volume Assessment in Atrial Fibrillation Patients undergoing Ablation, using 2-D Echocardiography and Invasive Three-Dimensional CARTO and its Predictive Value in Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation after Ablation

Background: The most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (AF), is expected to affect around 16 million people worldwide by 2050. Because AF is linked to increased mortality, thromboembolic strokes, myocardial infarction, and heart failure, it costs the US health care system over $6 billion yearly.
Aim of the Work: This study aimed to assess left atrial volume (LAV) in atrial fibrillation patients using non-invasive echocardiography and invasive 3D mapping (CARTO) and to assess its predictive value in recurrence of atrial fibrillation after ablation.
Patient and methods: The study was conducted on 42 consecutive patients with non-valvular AF who underwent pulmonary vein isolation and came to follow up in the Outpatient Clinic of the Cardiology Department at El Galaa Military Hospital and Benha UniversityHospital.
Results: LAV measured by CARTO was significantly higher compared to LAV measured by Echocardiography. Recurrence rate after AF ablation was significantly higher in patients with LAVI more than 36 ml/m² (47.8%) than patients with LAVI less than 36 ml/m² (5.3%). LAV by CARTO could significantly predict the AF recurrence with cutoff value > 98 ml. High BMI related significantly with the recurrence of AF after AF ablation. Recurrence was significantly lower in patients with ablation catheter type Thermo Cool Smart Touch than patients with EZ steer.
Conclusion: Optimizing the benefits of AF catheter ablation required determining each patient's risk of recurrence as it assists in identifying individuals who stand to gain the most from AF ablation as well as the technique and approach employed for ablation.