[Influence of the radiofrequency current on the left ventricular systolic function].

UNLABELLED: Radio frequency catheter ablation (RFCA)--induced myocardial injury is caused by the thermal, electrical and biological effects of RF current.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the changes in the left ventricular systolic function following RFCA.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Ejection fraction (EF) and shortening fraction (FS) were assessed in 24 pacing patients (10 females in age 44-79 years, mean age 64.8 +/- 11 years) before and 24 hours after successful RFCA of an atrio-ventricular node area due to medical refractory chronic atrial fibrillation.

RESULTS

The mean number of RFCA applications was 5.5 +/- 5.0, total application time--237.5 +/- 188 sec, cumulative energy--8916.7 +/- 6886.2 J and temperature measured at the tip of electrode--59.6 +/- 4.90 degrees C. We did not find the changes in EF and FS after the ablation. In addition, a non-significant correlation between the left ventricular systolic function and the cumulative RFCA energy was documented.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-significant correlation between the left ventricular contractility and the cumulative RFCA energy was observed.