Slow Pathway (slow + pathway)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Terms modified by Slow Pathway

  • slow pathway ablation
  • slow pathway conduction

  • Selected Abstracts


    Patterns of Accelerated Junctional Rhythm During Slow Pathway Catheter Ablation for Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia: Temperature Dependence, Prognostic Value, and Insights into the Nature of the Slow Pathway

    JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2000
    ALAN B. WAGSHAL M.D.
    Slow Pathway Accelerated Junctional Rhythm. Introduction: Although accelerated junctional rhythm (AJR) is a knuwn marker for successful slow pathway (SP) ablation sites. AJR may just be a regional effect of the anisotropic conduction properties of this area of the heart. We believe that detailed assessment of the AJR might provide insight into the SP specificity of this AJR and perhaps the nature of the SP itself. Methods and Results: Our ablation protocol consisted of 30-second, 70°C temperature-controlled ablation pulses with assessment after each pulse. Serial booster ablations were performed at the original successful site and at least 2 to 3 nearby sites to assess for residual AJR after the procedure in 50 consecutive SP ablations. We defined three distinct patterns of AJR: continuous AJR that persisted until the end of energy delivery (group 1, 25 patients); alternating or "stuttering" AJR that persisted throughout energy delivery (group II, 9 patients); and AJR that ended abruptly during energy delivery (group III, 16 patients). Mean ablation temperatures in the three groups was 57°± 5°C, 54°± 5°C, and 63°± 5°C, respectively (P = 0.0002 for groups I and II vs group III). Ten of 34 (29%) patients in groups I and II ("low-temperature ablation") exhibited residual SP (jump and/or single echo heats) despite tachycardia noninducibility, and 25 of 34 (73%) patients had residual AJR during the booster ablations, but neither of these was seen in any group III patients. Conclusion: Ablation temperature correlates with the pattern of AJR produced during SP ablation. That higher temperature lesions simultaneously abolish all SP activity as well as the focus of AJR suggests that this AJR is specific for the SP and is not a nonspecific regional effect. [source]


    Abnormal Atrioventricular Node Conduction and Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia in Patients Older Versus Younger Than 65 Years of Age

    PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2009
    MIHAELA GRECU M.D.
    Study Objective: We examined the possible role of atrioventricular node (AVN) conduction abnormalities as a cause of AVN reentrant tachycardia (RT) in patients >65 years of age. Study Population: Slow pathway radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) was performed in 104 patients. Patients in group 1 (n = 14) were >65 years of age and had AV conduction abnormalities associated with structural heart disease. Patients in group 2 (n = 90) were <65 years of age and had lone AVNRT. Results: Patients in group 1 versus group 2 (66% vs. 46% men) had a first episode of tachycardia at an older age than in group 2 (68 ± 16.8 vs 32.5 ± 18.8 years, P = 0.007). The history of arrhythmia was shorter in group 1 (5.4 ± 3.8 vs 17.5 ± 14, P = 0.05) and was associated with a higher proportion of patients with underlying heart disease than in group 2 (79% vs 3%, P < 0.001). The electrophysiological measurements were significantly shorter in group 2: atrial-His interval (74 ± 17 vs 144 ± 44 ms, P = 0.005), His-ventricular (HV) interval (41 ± 5 vs 57 ± 7 ms, P = 0.001), Wenckebach cycle length (329 ± 38 vs 436 ± 90 ms, P = 0.001), slow pathway effective refractory period (268 ± 7 vs 344 ± 94 ms, P = 0.005), and tachycardia cycle length (332 ± 53 vs 426 ± 56 ms, P = 0.001). The ventriculoatrial block cycle length was similar in both groups. The immediate procedural success rate was 100% in both groups, and no complication was observed in either group. One patient in group 2 had recurrence of AVNRT. One patient with a 98-ms HV interval underwent permanent VVI pacemaker implantation before RFCA procedure. Conclusion: In patients undergoing RFCA for AVNRT at >65 years of age had a shorter history of tachycardia-related symptoms than patients with lone AVNRT. The longer AVN conduction intervals and refractory period might explain the late development of AVNRT in group 1. [source]


    The Most Common Site of Success and Its Predictors in Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of the Slow Atrioventricular Nodal Pathway in Children

    PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 10 2008
    HAW-KWEI HWANG M.D.
    Background:Locating ablation targets on the slow pathway in children as one would in adults may not accommodate the dimensional changes of Koch's triangle that occur with heart growth. We investigated the most common site of success and the effect of a variety of variables on the outcome of slow pathway ablation in children. Methods:A total of 116 patients (ages 4,16 years) with structurally normal hearts underwent radiofrequency ablation of either the antegrade or the retrograde slow pathway. Ablation sites were divided into eight regions (A1, A2, M1, M2, P1, P2, CS1, and CS2) at the septal tricuspid annulus. Results:Ablation was successful in 112 (97%) children. The most common successful ablation sites were at the P1 region. The less the patient weighed, the more posteriorly the successful site was located (P = 0.023, OR 0.970, 95% CI 0.946,0.996), and the more likely the slow pathway was eliminated rather than modified: median weight was 46.7 kg (range, 14.5,94.3 kg) in the eliminated group and 56.5 kg (range, 20,82.6 kg) in the modified group (P = 0.021, OR 1.039, 95% CI 1.006,1.073). Conclusions:The most common site of success for slow pathway ablation in children is at the P1 region of the tricuspid annulus. The successful sites in lighter children are more posteriorly located. Weight is also a predictor of whether the slow pathway is eliminated or only modified. [source]


    Rapid Atrial Pacing: A Useful Technique During Slow Pathway Ablation

    PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2007
    LEONARDO LIBERMAN M.D.
    Background: Catheter ablation is the treatment of choice for atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) with a success rate of 95,98%. The appearance of junctional rhythm during radiofrequency (RF) application to the slow pathway has been consistently reported as a marker for the successful ablation of AVNRT. Ventriculoatrial (VA) conduction during junctional rhythm has been used by many as a surrogate marker of antegrade atrioventricular nodal (AVN) function. However, VA conduction may not be an accurate or consistent marker for antegrade AVN function and reliance on this marker may leave some patients at risk for antegrade AVN injury. Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe a technique to ensure normal antegrade AVN function during junctional rhythm at the time of RF catheter ablation of the slow pathway. Methods: Retrospective review of all patients less than 21 years old who underwent RF ablation for AVNRT at our institution from January 2002 to July 2005. During RF applications, immediately after junctional rhythm was demonstrated, RAP was performed to ensure normal antegrade AVN function. Postablation testing was performed to assess AVN function and tachycardia inducibility. Results: Fifty-eight patients underwent RF ablation of AVNRT during the study period. The mean age ± SD was 14 ± 3 years (range: 5,20 years). The weight was 53 ± 15 Kg (range: 19,89 Kg). The preablation Wenckebach cycle length was 397 ± 99 msec (range: 260,700 msec). Fifty-four patients had inducible typical AVNRT, and four patients had atypical tachycardia. The mean tachycardia cycle length ± SD was 323 ± 62 msec (range: 200,500 msec). Patients underwent of 8 ± 7 total RF applications (median: 7; range 1 to 34), for a total duration of 123 ± 118 seconds (median: 78 sec, range: 20,473 sec). Junctional tachycardia was observed in 52 of 54 patients. RAP was initiated during junctional rhythm in all patients. No patient developed any degree of transient or permanent AVN block. Following ablation, the Wenckebach cycle length decreased to 364 ± 65 msec (P < 0.01). Acutely successful RF catheter ablation was obtained in 56 of 58 patients (96%). Conclusion: Rapid atrial pacing during radiofrequency catheter ablation of the slow pathway is a safe alternative approach to ensure normal AVN function. [source]


    The Electrophysiological Characteristics in Patients with Ventricular Stimulation Inducible Fast-Slow Form Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia

    PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 10 2006
    PI-CHANG LEE M.D.
    Background: Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) can usually be induced by atrial stimulation. However, it seldom may be induced with only ventricular stimulation, especially the fast-slow form of AVNRT. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the specific electrophysiological characteristics in patients with the fast-slow form of AVNRT that could be induced with only ventricular stimulation. Methods: The total population consisted of 1,497 patients associated with AVNRT, and 106 (8.4%) of them had the fast-slow form of AVNRT and 1,373 (91.7%) the slow-fast form of AVNRT. In patients with the fast-slow form of AVNRT, the AVNRT could be induced with only ventricular stimulation in 16 patients, Group 1; with only atrial stimulation or both atrial and ventricular stimulation in 90 patients, Group 2; and with only atrial stimulation in 13 patients, Group 3. We also divided these patients with slow-fast form AVNRT (n = 1,373) into two groups: those that could be induced only by ventricular stimulation (Group 4; n = 45, 3%) and those that could be induced by atrial stimulation only or by both atrial and ventricular stimulation (n = 1.328, 97%). Results: Patients with the fast-slow form of AVNRT that could be induced with only ventricular stimulation had a lower incidence of an antegrade dual AVN physiology (0% vs 71.1% and 92%, P < 0.001), a lower incidence of multiple form AVNRT (31% vs 69% and 85%, P = 0.009), and a more significant retrograde functional refractory period (FRP) difference (99 ± 102 vs 30 ± 57 ms, P < 0.001) than those that could be induced with only atrial stimulation or both atrial and ventricular stimulation. The occurrence of tachycardia stimulated with only ventricular stimulation was more frequently demonstrated in patients with the fast-slow form of AVNRT than in those with the slow-fast form of AVNRT (15% vs 3%, P < 0.001). Patients with the fast-slow form of AVNRT that could be induced with only ventricular stimulation had a higher incidence of retrograde dual AVN physiology (75% vs 4%, P < 0.001), a longer pacing cycle length of retrograde 1:1 fast and slow pathway conduction (475 ± 63 ms vs 366 ± 64 ms, P < 0.001; 449 ± 138 ms vs 370 ± 85 ms, P = 0.009), a longer retrograde effective refractory period of the fast pathway (360 ± 124 ms vs 285 ± 62 ms, P = 0.003), and a longer retrograde FRP of the fast and slow pathway (428 ± 85 ms vs 362 ± 47 ms, P < 0.001 and 522 ± 106 vs 456 ± 97 ms, P = 0.026) than those with the slow-fast form of AVNRT that could be induced with only ventricular stimulation. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that patients with the fast-slow form of AVNRT that could be induced with only ventricular stimulation had a different incidence of the antegrade and retrograde dual AVN physiology and the specific electrophysiological characteristics. The mechanism of the AVNRT stimulated only with ventricular stimulation was supposed to be different in patients with the slow-fast and fast-slow forms of AVNRT. [source]


    Atrial Activation Sequence During Junctional Tachycardia Induced by Thermal Stimulation of Koch's Triangle in Canine Blood-Perfused Atrioventricular Node Preparation

    PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 5 2002
    ATSUSHI IWASA
    IWASA, A., et al.: Atrial Activation Sequence During Junctional Tachycardia Induced by Thermal Stimulation of Koch's Triangle in Canine Blood-Perfused Atrioventricular Node Preparation. Junctional tachycardia is observed during radiofrequency ablation of the slow pathway. The authors investigated the atrial activation sequence during junctional tachycardia induced with thermal stimulation in canine blood-perfused atrioventricular node (AVN) preparation. The canine heart was isolated (n = 7) and cross-circulated with heparinized arterial blood of the support dog. The activation sequence in the region of Koch's triangle (15 × 21 mm) was determined by recording 48 unipolar electrograms. Atrial sites anterior to the coronary sinus ostium (site AN), close to the His-potential recording site (site N) and superior to site N (site F), were subjected to a continuous temperature rise from 38°C to 50°C with a heating probe. The temperature of the tissue adjacent to the heating site was monitored simultaneously. Junctional tachycardia at a rate of 92 ± 12 beats/min with the His potential preceding the atrial one in the His-bundle electrogram was induced during thermal stimulation at site AN (temperature 42.1°C ± 0.9°C) in all seven preparations, whereas junctional tachycardia was induced during stimulation at site N in one and at site F in none. In each case, the temperature rose only at the site of stimulation. The earliest activation site during junctional tachycardia induced by site AN stimulation was at the His-potential recording site in five preparations and the middle of Koch's triangle in the other two. After creating an obstacle between sites AN and N, atrial tachycardia at a rate of 85 ± 11 beats/min was induced during site AN stimulation. The earliest activation site during this tachycardia was site AN. Thus, junctional tachycardia induced by thermal stimulation was suggested to originate from the AN thermal stimulation site. The impulse from the stimulation site appeared to conduct via the posterior input to the compact AVN and junctional tachycardia was generated. When the posterior input was interrupted, atrial tachycardia was generated. [source]


    Effects of wortmannin and latrunculin A on slow endocytosis at the frog neuromuscular junction

    THE JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2004
    D. A. Richards
    Phosphoinositides are key regulators of synaptic vesicle cycling and endocytic traffic; the actin cytoskeleton also seems to be involved in modulating these processes. We investigated the effects of perturbing phosphoinositide signalling and actin dynamics on vesicle cycling in frog motor nerve terminals, using fluorescence and electron microscopy, and electrophysiology. Antibody staining for ,-actin revealed that actin surrounds but does not overlap with synaptic vesicle clusters. Latrunculin A, which disrupts actin filaments by binding actin monomers, and wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphatidyl inositol-3-kinase (PI3-kinase), each disrupted the pattern of presynaptic actin staining, but not vesicle clusters in resting terminals. Latrunculin A, but not wortmannin, also reduced vesicle mobilization and exocytosis. Both drugs inhibited the stimulation-induced uptake of the styryl dye FM1-43 and blocked vesicle reformation from internalized membrane objects after tetanic stimulation. These results are consistent with a role of PI3-kinase and the actin cytoskeleton in the slow pathway of vesicle endocytosis, used primarily by reserve pool vesicles. [source]


    Transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale during a radiofrequency ablation procedure

    CLINICAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 8 2006
    Antonis S. Manolis M.D.
    Abstract A 43-year-old woman was undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation of a symptomatic supraventricular tachycardia when a patent foramen ovale (PFO) was detected with passage of the diagnostic electrocatheter into the left atrium. Prior echocardiographic studies had been unrevealing. Upon questioning during the procedure, the patient now admitted to frequent and disabling daily migraine attacks, while her family described two recent brief episodes of disorientation and dysarthria, consistent with transient ischemic attacks. The patient was informed of the option of future closure of the PFO, but she insisted on having this done concurrently with her ablation procedure. After successful ablation of the slow pathway considered responsible for the supraventricular tachycardia, an Amplatzer closure device was utilized and the PFO was successfully closed during the same procedure. A postprocedural transesophageal echocardiogram showed complete sealing of the PFO, while over the ensuing 10 months the patient reported virtual elimination of her daily attacks of migrainous headaches, limited to a single episode the day after the procedure and none thereafter. [source]


    Incessant Nonreentrant Tachycardia Due to Simultaneous Conduction Over Dual Atrioventricular Nodal Pathways Mimicking Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Referred for Pulmonary Vein Isolation

    JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 7 2003
    Moussa Mansour M.D.
    It has been reported that conduction over the fast and slow pathways of the AV node can occur simultaneously, leading to a double ventricular response from each atrial beat. We report the cases of two patients referred to us for evaluation of symptomatic, incessant, and irregular narrow-complex tachycardia, misdiagnosed as atrial fibrillation, for consideration of pulmonary vein isolation. At presentation, careful evaluation of the electrograms revealed the presence of two ventricular activations for each atrial beat. At electrophysiologic study, both patients were found to have nonreentrant tachycardias arising from simultaneous conduction over the fast and slow pathways of the AV node. In one patient, the tachycardia had resulted in cardiomyopathy. Slow AV nodal pathway ablation performed in both patients resulted in cure of their tachycardias and recovery of ventricular function in the patient with cardiomyopathy. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 752-755, July 2003) [source]


    Need for Fast Pathway Ablation in Typical Irregular AV Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia in a Patient with Multiple AV Nodal Pathways

    JOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 2 2000
    PETER WEISMÜLLER M.D.
    A case of a 60-year-old male with irregular AV nodal reentrant tachycardia of the common type is reported. Electrophysiological study revealed multiple antegrade slowly conducting AV nodal pathways and one exclusively retrogradely conducting fast AV nodal pathway. Despite the recommendation for slow pathway ablation as the treatment of choice in patients with AVNRT, first pathway ablation was successfully performed in this case due to the risk of total A V block of ablating the slow pathways. The present report shows that there is the rare patient in whom fast pathway ablation is required for curative treatment of AV nodal reentrant tachycardia. [source]


    Kinetic studies on the peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence reaction: determination of the cyclization rate constant

    LUMINESCENCE: THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL LUMINESCENCE, Issue 5 2002
    Sandra M. Silva
    Abstract Although more currently utilized as analytical tool because of its high sensitivity and good reproducibility, the mechanism of the peroxyoxalate system, a chemiluminescence reaction with quantum yields only comparable to bioluminescence systems, has been extensively studied. The light emission mechanism can be divided in the pathway before chemiexcitation, which contains the rate-limiting steps, and the fast and kinetically non-observable chemiexcitation step. In this work, we obtain information on the mechanism of the slow pathways, attribute values to several rate constants prior to chemiexcitation and suggest a mechanistic scheme that could help optimization of conditions when the peroxyoxalate reaction is used as analytical tool. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Analysis of Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia with Variable Ventriculoatrial Block: Characteristics of the Upper Common Pathway

    PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 4 2009
    KENJI MORIHISA M.D.
    Background: The precise nature of the upper turnaround part of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is not entirely understood. Methods: In nine patients with AVNRT accompanied by variable ventriculoatrial (VA) conduction block, we examined the electrophysiologic characteristics of its upper common pathway. Results: Tachycardia was induced by atrial burst and/or extrastimulus followed by atrial-His jump, and the earliest atrial electrogram was observed at the His bundle site in all patients. Twelve incidents of VA block: Wenckebach VA block (n = 7), 2:1 VA block (n = 4), and intermittent (n = 1) were observed. In two of seven Wenckebach VA block, the retrograde earliest atrial activation site shifted from the His bundle site to coronary sinus ostium just before VA block. Prolongation of His-His interval occurred during VA block in 11 of 12 incidents. After isoproterenol administration, 1:1 VA conduction resumed in all patients. Catheter ablation at the right inferoparaseptum eliminated antegrade slow pathway conduction and rendered AVNRT noninducible in all patients. Conclusion: Selective elimination of the slow pathway conduction at the inferoparaseptal right atrium may suggest that the subatrial tissue linking the retrograde fast and antegrade slow pathways forms the upper common pathway in AVNRT with VA block. [source]


    Coexistent Right- and Left-Sided Slow Pathways Participating in Distinct AV Nodal Reentrant Tachycardias

    PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 10 2008
    LÁSZLÓ SÁGHY M.D.
    We report a patient with two distinct atrioventricular (AV) nodal slow pathways, participating in two different AV nodal reentrant tachycardias,one eliminated from the right, the other only after ablation on the left side of the posterior septum. The case provides support for the concept of the posterior AV nodal extensions,a biatrial structure in most hearts,representing the anatomic basis of slow pathway conduction. [source]