Assessment of Left Atrial Mechanical Function With a True 3D Ultrasound Array and Comparison With the Transthoracic and Transesophageal Echocardiography: A Single Center Interventional Study in Patients Scheduled for Ablation Procedure

Chronic atrial fibrillation is a challenging arrhythmia requiring additional radiofrequency ablation besides pulmonary vein isolation. Atrial contractility in these patients is often impaired. Until now mapping catheters were used on virtual geometry maps of left atrium. However, changes in atrial volume cannot be assessed with these systems Assessments of atrial volumes with echocardiography relies on 2D and 3D measurements and modeling. The AcQMapTM 3D High Resolution Imaging and Mapping System (AcQMap) has a unique 3D array of ultrasound crystals, which can measure true 3D dimensions of the heart chamber. For the first time, true atrial volumes can be measured. Changing from atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm causes changes in atrial volume and might be associated with quantitative systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricle measured with the Transesophageal Echocardiography.