RESUMEN
Objective To explore the changes of different echocardiographic indices in patients receiving catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation with different outcomes. Methods 75 patients received catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation during the period of January 2012 to February 2014. Before and 6 monthes after ablation , all the patients were examined left atrial volume index (LAVi), left atrium pressure (LAP), and left atrial ejection force (LAF) with echocardiography. Then after 6 months, according to the outcomes of the procedure, we divided the patients into two groups and compared the changes of these three parameters. Results In sinus group, LAVi decreased while LAF increased after treatment [LAVi: (29.3 ± 1.9) vs. (41.2 ± 9.3), LAF:(1.31 ± 0.61) (kg·cm)/s2 vs. (0.83 ± 0.22) (kg·cm)/s2, P 0.05]; while in recurrent group, there were no changes in LAVi, LAP, and LAF after treatment (P > 0.05). Conclusions Radiofrequency catheter ablation is safe and effective in treatment of atrial fibrillation, resulting in significant improvements in left atrial volume and cardiac function.