Reduced Left Atrial Appendage Flow Velocity as a Risk of Thromboembolic Events After Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Reduced left atrial appendage flow velocity (LAAFV) on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is recognized as a predictor of thromboembolic events (TEs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, its long-term prognostic value following AF ablation remains unclear.

Methods and results

We retrospectively evaluated 1521 patients undergoing AF ablation who underwent preprocedural TEE. Patients were categorized into two groups based on LAAFV: reduced (≤ 21.4 cm/s, n = 99) and preserved (> 21.4 cm/s, n = 1422). The primary outcome was TEs. Secondary outcomes included arrhythmia recurrence and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), defined as a composite of all-cause death, stroke, major bleeding, and heart failure hospitalization, as well

SUBMITTER: Yamagami S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12695476 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature