What is the consequence of pacing the LAA during an AF ablation?

Pacing the left atrial appendage (LAA) during an atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation allows for the assessment and visualization of far-field signals. This is significant because the LAA is an area that can produce electrical signals that may not be directly observed from other sites of the heart. By pacing this region, clinicians can identify and confirm the presence of other signals that could influence the rhythm and conduction properties of the surrounding atrium.

Visual confirmation of far-field signals can provide valuable diagnostic information, helping to guide the ablation procedure more effectively. It helps in understanding how different areas of the heart interact electrically, which is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment strategy for AF.

The other options involve potential outcomes that are not directly associated with pacing the LAA. For instance, some may consider the implications of increased heart rate or reduced blood pressure when pacing affects overall cardiac function, but these do not directly relate to the specific consequence of visual confirmation of far-field signals, which is the main focus here. Additionally, increased risk of thrombosis isn’t typically a direct consequence of pacing during ablation; rather, it’s a consideration related to the LAA's role in thrombus formation in patients with AF.