Left Atrial Function

Left atrial relaxation and left ventricular systolic function determine left atrial reservoir function.

BACKGROUND Determinants of left atrial (LA) reservoir function and its influence on left ventricular (LV) function have not been quantified. METHODS AND RESULTS In an open-pericardium, paced (70 and 90 bpm) pig model of LV regional ischemia (left anterior descending coronary constriction), with high-fidelity LV, LA, and RV pressure recordings, we obtained the LA area with 2D automated border ...

Left Atrial Morphology and Function

In the prediction of the risk of cardiovascular events, the role of the left ventricle (LV) has been established for a long time, in the general population and especially in patients with heart failure. LV dimensions and systolic function, the latter mainly expressed as ejection fraction, were the first variables investigated; over the years, the role of predictors of cardiovascular outcomes ha...

strain evaluation of left atrial function: ready for the future?

A Semi-Automated Algorithm for Segmentation of the Left Atrial Appendage Landing Zone: Application in Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Procedures

Background: Mechanical occlusion of the Left atrial appendage (LAA) using a purpose-built device has emerged as an effective prophylactic treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation at risk of stroke and a contraindication for anticoagulation. A crucial step in procedural planning is the choice of the device size. This is currently based on the manual analysis of the “Device Landing Zone” fr...

Improvement of left atrial function and left atrial reverse remodeling after surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) is an emerging technology for the evaluation of left atrial (LA) function. This technique is feasible, overcomes the limitations of tissue Doppler imaging and has been demonstrated to accurately assess atrial function during the different phases of the cardiac cycle (1). Atrial structural and electrical remodeling are the hallmarks of a...