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Research Article
Originally Published 1 June 1969
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Electrical Potential Distribution Surrounding the Atria during Depolarization and Repolarization in the Dog

Abstract

The potential distribution at the atrial surface during depolarization and repolarization was studied in intact dogs. A preparation was developed by implanting 30 to 40 miniature electrodes permanently on each atrium to record unipolar electrograms in the intact animal. Heart block was created to dissociate atrial and ventricular activity. The electrograms were recorded on magnetic tape and atrial isopotential heart maps produced with the use of a digital computer. The changing potential distribution during excitation indicated the early presence of multiple wave fronts which were related primarily to the crista terminalis, Bachmann's bundle, and a special bundle to the base of the right appendage. The interatrial septum provided a conducting bridge which had an important influence of global atrial excitation, depending on the site of impulse formation. Colliding excitation wave fronts were quite prominent. During terminal atrial excitation, repolarization maxima were present simultaneously with depolarization maxima. Repolarization was characterized by a changing potential distribution which followed the same general pattern as excitation spread; and, furthermore, the earliest areas of excitation were associated with a repolarization maximum and terminal areas of excitation were associated with repolarization minima.

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Published In

Go to Circulation Research
Circulation Research
Pages: 857 - 873
PubMed: 5786791

History

Accepted: 18 April 1969
Published online: 1 June 1969
Published in print: June 1969

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Keywords

  1. activation wave front
  2. atrial electrograms
  3. atrial excitation
  4. atrial repolarization
  5. cardiac electrophysiology
  6. interatrial conduction

Authors

Affiliations

MADISON S. SPACH, M.D.
Department of Pediatrics and the Divisions of Biomedical Engineering and Biomathematics, Duke University Durham, North Carolina 27706
TERRY D. KING, M.D.
Department of Pediatrics and the Divisions of Biomedical Engineering and Biomathematics, Duke University Durham, North Carolina 27706
ROGER C. BARR, Ph.D.
Department of Pediatrics and the Divisions of Biomedical Engineering and Biomathematics, Duke University Durham, North Carolina 27706
DAVID E. BOAZ, B.S.
Department of Pediatrics and the Divisions of Biomedical Engineering and Biomathematics, Duke University Durham, North Carolina 27706
MARY N. MORROW, M.A.
Department of Pediatrics and the Divisions of Biomedical Engineering and Biomathematics, Duke University Durham, North Carolina 27706
SCOTT HERMAN-GIDDENS
Department of Pediatrics and the Divisions of Biomedical Engineering and Biomathematics, Duke University Durham, North Carolina 27706

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  1. Classification of sinus rhythm single potential morphology in patients with mitral valve disease, EP Europace, 22, 10, (1509-1519), (2020).https://doi.org/10.1093/europace/euaa130
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  2. Design and experimental verification of a recording scheme for body surface potential mapping, 2017 Chinese Automation Congress (CAC), (3973-3976), (2017).https://doi.org/10.1109/CAC.2017.8243474
    Crossref
  3. Hemodynamic Forces Regulate Developmental Patterning of Atrial Conduction, PLoS ONE, 9, 12, (e115207), (2014).https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0115207
    Crossref
  4. Advances in Non‐invasive Electrocardiographic Imaging: Examples of Atrial Arrhythmias, Cardiac Mapping, (712-721), (2012).https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118481585.ch65
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  5. The Opposite Polarity of the PQ Segment Compared to the P Wave Isointegral Maps, Physiological Research, (777-784), (2011).https://doi.org/10.33549/physiolres.932120
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  6. Improvement in pump function with endocardial biventricular pacing increases with activation time at the left ventricular pacing site in failing canine hearts, American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, 301, 4, (H1447-H1455), (2011).https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpheart.00295.2011
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  7. Body Surface Potential Mapping, Cardiac Arrhythmias and Mapping Techniques, (295-333), (2011).https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-877-5_10
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  8. The Electrocardiogram in Congenital Heart Disease, Electrocardiology, (487-571), (2011).https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-874-4_9
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  9. Activation of the Heart, Basic Electrocardiology, (145-165), (2011).https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-871-3_4
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  10. Normal and Abnormal Conduction in the Heart, Comprehensive Physiology, (455-530), (2011).https://doi.org/10.1002/cphy.cp020112
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Electrical Potential Distribution Surrounding the Atria during Depolarization and Repolarization in the Dog
Circulation Research
  • Vol. 24
  • No. 6

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Circulation Research
  • Vol. 24
  • No. 6
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