Does Left Atrial Appendage Peak Emptying Flow Velocity Predict the Electrical Energy Required to Achieve Successful Direct-current Cardioversion in Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation?

Background The relation of left atrial (LA) appendage peak emptying flow velocity (LAAEV) with energy requirement for successful direct-current cardioversion (DCCV) in persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is unknown. LAAEV correlates with success of cardioversion of AF to sinus rhythm, both of which are related to the LA size and the chronicity of AF. We tested the hypothesis that LAAEV can predict optimal energy required for DCCV in persistent...