Does direct application of ice at Bachmann's region induce interatrial block in healthy swine?
This experimental swine model demonstrates that interatrial block can occur independently of left atrial enlargement.
We present the surface electrocardiogram of an open-chest anesthetized healthy adult swine after direct application of ice at the transversus sinus of the pericardium where the Bachmann's region is located. Gradual and transient interatrial block (IAB) in the absence of structural atrial disease is described. This new experimental model demonstrated that IAB is an independent entity from left atrial enlargement.
Palmero et al. (Sat,) studied this question.