Conduction delays across the specialized conduction system of the heart: Revisiting atrioventricular node (AVN) and Purkinje-ventricular junction (PVJ) delays.

ABSTRACT:

Background and significance

The specialized conduction system (SCS) of the heart was extensively studied to understand the synchronization of atrial and ventricular contractions, the large atrial to His bundle (A-H) delay through the atrioventricular node (AVN), and delays between Purkinje (P) and ventricular (V) depolarization at distinct junctions (J), PVJs. Here, we use optical mapping of perfused rabbit hearts to revisit the mechanism that explains A-H delay and the role of a passive electrotonic step-delay at the boundary between atria and the AVN. We further visualize how the P anatomy controls papillary activation and valve closure before ventricular activation.

Methods

Rabbit hearts were perfused with a bolus (100-200 µl) of a voltage-sensitive dye (di4ANEPPS), blebb

SUBMITTER: Choi BR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10154624 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature