Analysis of variations in cycle length and the mechanism of atrial flutter studied in patients

W. Lammers, F. Ravelli, M. Allessie, M. Disertori, R. Antolini, F. Furlanello

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

In a study group of 12 patients with common atrial flutter, atrial electrograms were recorded from an intra-oesophageal lead together with a surface lead (V1). Upon the onset of the QRS complex, atrial flutter intervals increased after a latency of 100-150 ms to maximal values of 450-500 ms after the QRS complex and subsequently decreased to reach minimal values 400-450 ms later. The hypothesis was formulated that these periodic variations in atrial flutter intervals following a ventricular contraction were caused by the influence of stretch of the atrial myocardium on the conduction properties of a circulation impulse in the atrium. This hypothesis was tested in a simulation study which revealed that the alternation in intervals as found in patients could only be reproduced if the excitable gap in the circus movement was partially excitable.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)487-490
Number of pages4
JournalComputers in Cardiology
Publication statusPublished - Dec 1 1987

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Science Applications
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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