Atrial Fibrillation: Disease of the? Left Atrial Chamber Only

Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with reduced quality of life, higher morbidity, higher mortality and is frequently associated with heart failure. However, little is known about the impact of AF on left and right atrial contractility, especially on atrial myofilament function. To validate the impact of chronic AF on atrial contractility we evaluate calcium induced force myofilament contractility of left and right atrial skinned fibers in atrial tissue obtained during elective on pump CABG.