Experimental creation of complete A-H block.
A new technique to block conduction from both atria to the atrio-ventricular node (A-V node) was devised through anatomical considerations of the junctional area. To assess the validity of the technique, a series of experiments were performed in mongrel dogs. Under cardiopulmonary bypass, the interatrial septum was incised along the tendon of Todaro, followed by cryosurgical ablation of the approach to the A-V node. Postoperative electrophysiological studies revealed complete conduction block between both atria and the A-V node. A spontaneous A-V nodal rhythm was produced. Initial activation was proved to be within the junctional area. This technique may lead to improved surgical management for atrial fibrillation and other supra-ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
Tanaka
K
K
Department of Thoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Furuse
A
A
D000818:Animals; D001283:Atrioventricular Node / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D003452:Cryosurgery; D004285:Dogs; D004594:Electrophysiology; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000503:physiopathology; D006327:Heart Block / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000473:pathology; D006346:Heart Septum / Q000601:surgery