Electroanatomic mapping of sinus rhythm in normal human atria demonstrated a reproducible propagation pattern, with simultaneous activation of both atria for 65% +/- 9% of the atrial systolic time.
Observational (n=7)
INTRODUCTION: Better understanding of atrial propagation during sinus rhythm (SR) in normal hearts under the most normal physiologic conditions may be propaedeutic to pathophysiologic studies of complex atrial arrhythmias. In this study, qualitative and quantitative analyses of sinus impulse propagation in both atria were performed by electroanatomic mapping in patients with no organic heart disease who were undergoing an electrophysiologic procedure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seven patients (5 men and 2 women; age 37 +/- 11 years) undergoing ablation of a left-sided accessory pathway were considered. Associated heart disease and coexisting atrial arrhythmias were excluded. After obtaining informed consent, electroanatomic mapping of both atria was performed during SR using a nonfluoroscopic system in the postablation phase. Mapping was accomplished in all patients with no complications. Qualitative analysis showed that sinus impulse propagation gives a reproducible activation pattern with minor individual variations. During interatrial propagation, two breakthroughs (anterior and posterior) in the left atrium are observed in the majority of cases. The anterior breakthrough, which reflects conduction over Bachmann's bundle, is predominant and shows a peculiar "preexcitation-like" endocardial activation pattern. Quantitative analysis showed minimal individual variations of propagation time intervals. Atria are activated simultaneously for 65% +/- 9% of the duration of the atrial systolic time interval. CONCLUSION: In normal humans, electroanatomic mapping of SR identifies a typical and reproducible propagation pattern during SR. Bachmann's bundle plays the most important role in interatrial propagation. Atria are activated simultaneously by sinus impulse for a relevant portion of the systolic time interval.
Ponti et al. (Tue,) conducted a observational in Normal human atria (patients undergoing ablation of a left-sided accessory pathway) (n=7). Electroanatomic mapping was evaluated on Qualitative and quantitative analysis of sinus impulse propagation. Electroanatomic mapping of sinus rhythm in normal human atria demonstrated a reproducible propagation pattern, with simultaneous activation of both atria for 65% +/- 9% of the atrial systolic time.