title: The Bachmann Bundle and interatrial conduction.
abstract: The cardiac conduction system (CCS) is responsible for generation and systematic conduction of cardiac impulses. The Bachmann Bundle (BB), considered one of its several accessory impulse-conducting pathways, plays a fundamental role in interatrial conduction. Delay in this pathway leads to prolongation of the P wave on the electrocardiogram (interatrial delay or block), which in turn is a precursor for atrial tachyarrhythmias, mainly atrial fibrillation and significant left atrial electromechanical dysfunction. As such, the magnitude of its sequelae has necessitated a flurry of investigations that have been targeted toward its prevention and management. Although current studies on the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and atrial pacing have indeed shown some promise, it would be shortsighted to overlook and circumvent the actual underlying lesion-BB abnormality. Thus, a thorough understanding of the CCS and interatrial conduction is essential. We review current literature on the BB and discuss potential mechanisms that affect its conduction.
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center (MAVERIC), Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: Vignendra
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ariyarajah
authors.forename: David H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Spodick
mesh_terms: D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006327:Heart Block / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans