Key result
Sequential fast then slow pathway ablation prolongs the AH interval and achieves complete heart block.
Why the study?
The hypothesis that the anatomic equivalents of the fast and slow AV nodal pathways represent the principal sites of atrial input into the normal compact AV node was examined in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
Does sequential radiofrequency ablation at fast and slow AV nodal pathway positions affect AH interval and induce complete heart block in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation?
Does sequential radiofrequency ablation at fast and slow AV nodal pathway positions affect AH interval and induce complete heart block in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation?
The study suggests that a discrete anterior 'fast' pathway and a posterior 'slow' pathway network form the principal inputs to the compact AV node in most patients with atrial fibrillation.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
May induce complete AV block via sequential ablation; hypothesis-generating for dual fast-slow AV nodal inputs and needs prospective validation.
Garratt et al. (1996) studied paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (n=15). Sequential radiofrequency ablation at anterior fast and posterior slow AV nodal pathway positions was evaluated on Prolongation of the atrium to bundle of His (AH) interval and complete heart block. Sequential radiofrequency ablation at the anterior fast pathway prolonged the AH interval in all 15 patients, and subsequent posterior slow pathway ablation achieved complete heart block in most.
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