Comparison of Effects of Pulsed Field Ablation and Cryoablation on Left Atrial Stiffness Using Invasively Derived Pressure–Volume Relationship

ABSTRACT Background Acute effects of pulsed field ablation (PFA) on passive atrial mechanical properties have not hitherto been assessed by reconstruction of pressure–volume relationship using invasive intracavitary pressure measurements. Methods In a cohort of 38 first‐time atrial fibrillation ablation patients, submitted to pulmonary vein isolation, we studied the effects of PFA and cryoballoon ablation on the left atrial elastic constant and passive elastic chamber stiffness constant, expressing baseline left atrial conditions and quantifying passive left atrial stiffness, respectively. Left atrial pressure was invasively measured immediately pre‐ and post‐procedurally, while volume values were obtained echocardiographically. Results No differences were noted in passive elastic chamber stiffness constant values, pre‐ and post‐procedurally in either group. No differences were noted between CBA and PFA groups. There were no observable associations between Δ α and Δ b and either AF duration or preprocedural left atrial volume. Conclusions Based on the above, CBA and PFA demonstrated comparable effects on left atrial mechanical properties in the acute post‐ablation setting.