Evaluation of the effect of transthoracic cardioversion from ventricular tachycardia to sinus rhythm on left atrial mechanical function

We measured left atrial function during sinus rhythm before and after VT was induced in an electrophysiology laboratory, using peak transmitral A-wave velocity from pulsed-Doppler transthoracic echocardiography as a marker of left atrial mechanical function. The results of this prospective study do not support the hypothesis that a transthoracic shock of mild to moderate energy diminishes atrial mechanical function.