title: Direct recording of sinus node potentials using electrode catheter techniques.
abstract: Direct recording of sinus node (SN) potentials using electrode catheter techniques is feasible and may be achieved in 50-86% of patients. It takes 15-30 min using commercially available catheters. However, obtaining stable recordings is often difficult, necessitating direct contact of the distal electrode with the endocardial area underlying the sinus node. There is a wide range in sinoatrial (SA) intervals (30-150 ms) obtained, and an overlap exists between patients with normal and abnormal SN function. Consequently, measurement of the SA interval alone may not be a reliable tool for diagnosing SN dysfunction. However, direct SN recordings have a theoretic value, allowing differentiation of disorders of SA conduction from disorders of the impulse generation.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, University of Marseille, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Nord, France.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lévy
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lekieffre
mesh_terms: D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004566:Electrodes; D006801:Humans; D012849:Sinoatrial Node / Q000502:physiology*