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Ricci E, Mazhar F, Marzolla M, Severi S, Bartolucci C. Sinoatrial node heterogeneity and fibroblasts increase atrial driving capability in a two-dimensional human computational model. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1408626. [PMID: 39139481 PMCID: PMC11319284 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1408626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Cardiac pacemaking remains an unsolved matter from many perspectives. Extensive experimental and computational studies have been performed to describe the sinoatrial physiology across different scales, from the molecular to clinical levels. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which a heartbeat is generated inside the sinoatrial node and propagated to the working myocardium is not fully understood at present. This work aims to provide quantitative information about this fascinating phenomenon, especially regarding the contributions of cellular heterogeneity and fibroblasts to sinoatrial node automaticity and atrial driving. Methods: We developed a bidimensional computational model of the human right atrial tissue, including the sinoatrial node. State-of-the-art knowledge of the anatomical and physiological aspects was adopted during the design of the baseline tissue model. The novelty of this study is the consideration of cellular heterogeneity and fibroblasts inside the sinoatrial node for investigating the manner by which they tune the robustness of stimulus formation and conduction under different conditions (baseline, ionic current blocks, autonomic modulation, and external high-frequency pacing). Results: The simulations show that both heterogeneity and fibroblasts significantly increase the safety factor for conduction by more than 10% in almost all the conditions tested and shorten the sinus node recovery time after overdrive suppression by up to 60%. In the human model, especially under challenging conditions, the fibroblasts help the heterogeneous myocytes to synchronise their rate (e.g. -82% inσ C L under 25 nM of acetylcholine administration) and capture the atrium (with 25% L-type calcium current block). However, the anatomical and gap junctional coupling aspects remain the most important model parameters that allow effective atrial excitations. Conclusion: Despite the limitations to the proposed model, this work suggests a quantitative explanation to the astonishing overall heterogeneity shown by the sinoatrial node.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Ricci
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi”, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Fazeelat Mazhar
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi”, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Moreno Marzolla
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Stefano Severi
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi”, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Chiara Bartolucci
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi”, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
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2
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Matusik PS, Mikrut K, Bryll A, Podolec M, Popiela TJ, Matusik PT. Prominent crista terminalis mimicking a right atrial mass: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Acta Radiol 2024; 65:588-600. [PMID: 38619912 DOI: 10.1177/02841851241242461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The crista terminalis is an anatomical structure localized on the posterolateral wall of the right atrium (RA). We performed a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis concerning cases of unusual prominent crista terminalis mimicking RA mass. Moreover, we described the differential diagnosis of cardiac masses with the use of echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). We also emphasize the potential importance of this structure in electrophysiological procedures, including its role in exaggerated arrhythmias. Prominent crista terminalis may be a potential obstacle during invasive cardiac procedures or catheter ablation target. In analyzed cases, the crista terminalis was often erroneously interpreted as pathologic and at first confused with a thrombus or tumor during transthoracic echocardiography examination. The correct final diagnoses were mostly made with used transesophageal echocardiography or CMR. The most important imaging findings suggestive of prominent crista terminalis rather than tumor were a similar echogenicity/intensity with adjacent myocardium, the location on posterolateral wall of the RA, the phasic change in size, and no enhancement after contrast injection. We describe up to date and detailed imaging features for the differential diagnostics of selected intracardiac masses using various imaging techniques, including multimodality cardiac imaging. Familiarity with the anatomy and the imaging findings of the prominent crista terminalis will reduce misdiagnosis and avoid additional tests and unwarranted clinical interventions, while in patients considered for invasive cardiac procedures it might increase their efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja S Matusik
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, University Hospital, Kraków, Poland
- Chair of Radiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Mikrut
- Department of Cardiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Amira Bryll
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, University Hospital, Kraków, Poland
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Mateusz Podolec
- Department of Coronary Artery Disease and Heart Failure, St John Paul II Hospital, Kraków, Poland
- Center for Innovative Medical Education, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Tadeusz J Popiela
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, University Hospital, Kraków, Poland
- Chair of Radiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Paweł T Matusik
- Department of Electrocardiology, Institute of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Electrocardiology, St John Paul II Hospital, Kraków, Poland
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3
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Restrepo AJ, Razminia M, Sánchez-Quintana D, Cabrera JÁ. Myoarchitecture of the Sinoatrial Node and its Relevance for Catheter Ablation: Anatomy and Histology. JACC Case Rep 2024; 29:102153. [PMID: 38264311 PMCID: PMC10801806 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2023.102153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Jiménez Restrepo
- Florida Electrophysiology Associates, Atlantis, Florida, USA
- Division of Cardiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Damián Sánchez-Quintana
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - José-Ángel Cabrera
- Cardiology Department, QuironSalud Hospital, European University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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4
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Henley T, Goudy J, Easterling M, Donley C, Wirka R, Bressan M. Local tissue mechanics control cardiac pacemaker cell embryonic patterning. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201799. [PMID: 36973005 PMCID: PMC10043993 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac pacemaker cells (CPCs) initiate the electric impulses that drive the rhythmic beating of the heart. CPCs reside in a heterogeneous, ECM-rich microenvironment termed the sinoatrial node (SAN). Surprisingly, little is known regarding the biochemical composition or mechanical properties of the SAN, and how the unique structural characteristics present in this region of the heart influence CPC function remains poorly understood. Here, we have identified that SAN development involves the construction of a "soft" macromolecular ECM that specifically encapsulates CPCs. In addition, we demonstrate that subjecting embryonic CPCs to substrate stiffnesses higher than those measured in vivo results in loss of coherent electrical oscillation and dysregulation of the HCN4 and NCX1 ion channels required for CPC automaticity. Collectively, these data indicate that local mechanics play a critical role in maintaining the embryonic CPC function while also quantitatively defining the range of material properties that are optimal for embryonic CPC maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Henley
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Julie Goudy
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Marietta Easterling
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Carrie Donley
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Robert Wirka
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael Bressan
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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5
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Zhang J, Ju W, Yang G, Tang C, Luo J, Xu J, Chen M. Epicardial ablation of refractory focal atrial tachycardia after a failed endocardial approach. Heart Rhythm 2023; 20:374-382. [PMID: 36410677 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endocardial ablation is effective for most focal atrial tachycardias (FATs). In rare circumstances, the FAT can originate from the epicardial side of the atrium. OBJECTIVE In the present study, we retrospectively assessed the percutaneous approach for epicardial ablation of FAT when standard endocardial ablation had failed. METHODS Among a consecutive 186 patients undergoing ablation for 198 FATs, epicardial mapping and ablation via a percutaneous subxiphoid approach were attempted in 10 patients because of failed endocardial ablation. RESULTS In 3 cases, the origin of FAT was at the epicardial side of the junction of the right atrial appendage and superior vena cava. In 3 cases, the origin of FAT was located in the epicardial region of the left atrial insertion of Bachmann bundle. In 2 cases, the FAT originated from the epicardial side of the right atrial free wall. In 1 case, the FAT was successfully ablated from the epicardial side of the right atrial appendage, and in the remaining case, the origin of FAT was located in the epicardial region of the vein of Marshall. All FATs were successfully eliminated by ablation at the epicardial earliest activation site. CONCLUSION Epicardial mapping and ablation can be considered as an effective and safe option for FAT resistant to endocardial ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlin Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Wuhan Asian Heart Hospital, Wuhan, China.
| | - Weizhu Ju
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Gang Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Wuhan Asian Heart Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianfeng Luo
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jian Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Minglong Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Kalyanasundaram A, Li N, Augostini RS, Weiss R, Hummel JD, Fedorov VV. Three-dimensional functional anatomy of the human sinoatrial node for epicardial and endocardial mapping and ablation. Heart Rhythm 2023; 20:122-133. [PMID: 36113768 PMCID: PMC9897959 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2022.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The sinoatrial node (SAN) is the primary pacemaker of the human heart. It is a single, elongated, 3-dimensional (3D) intramural fibrotic structure located at the junction of the superior vena cava intercaval region bordering the crista terminalis (CT). SAN activation originates in the intranodal pacemakers and is conducted to the atria through 1 or more discrete sinoatrial conduction pathways. The complexity of the 3D SAN pacemaker structure and intramural conduction are underappreciated during clinical multielectrode mapping and ablation procedures of SAN and atrial arrhythmias. In fact, defining and targeting SAN is extremely challenging because, even during sinus rhythm, surface-only multielectrode mapping may not define the leading pacemaker sites in intramural SAN but instead misinterpret them as epicardial or endocardial exit sites through sinoatrial conduction pathways. These SAN exit sites may be distributed up to 50 mm along the CT beyond the ∼20-mm-long anatomic SAN structure. Moreover, because SAN reentrant tachycardia beats may exit through the same sinoatrial conduction pathway as during sinus rhythm, many SAN arrhythmias are underdiagnosed. Misinterpretation of arrhythmia sources and/or mechanisms (eg, enhanced automaticity, intranodal vs CT reentry) limits diagnosis and success of catheter ablation treatments for poorly understood SAN arrhythmias. The aim of this review is to provide a state-of-the-art overview of the 3D structure and function of the human SAN complex, mechanisms of SAN arrhythmias and available approaches for electrophysiological mapping, 3D structural imaging, pharmacologic interventions, and ablation to improve diagnosis and mechanistic treatment of SAN and atrial arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Kalyanasundaram
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio; Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio; Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Ralph S Augostini
- Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Raul Weiss
- Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - John D Hummel
- Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Vadim V Fedorov
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio; Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.
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7
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Amsaleg A, Sánchez J, Mikut R, Loewe A. Characterization of the pace-and-drive capacity of the human sinoatrial node: A 3D in silico study. Biophys J 2022; 121:4247-4259. [PMID: 36262044 PMCID: PMC9703096 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The sinoatrial node (SAN) is a complex structure that spontaneously depolarizes rhythmically ("pacing") and excites the surrounding non-automatic cardiac cells ("drive") to initiate each heart beat. However, the mechanisms by which the SAN cells can activate the large and hyperpolarized surrounding cardiac tissue are incompletely understood. Experimental studies demonstrated the presence of an insulating border that separates the SAN from the hyperpolarizing influence of the surrounding myocardium, except at a discrete number of sinoatrial exit pathways (SEPs). We propose a highly detailed 3D model of the human SAN, including 3D SEPs to study the requirements for successful electrical activation of the primary pacemaking structure of the human heart. A total of 788 simulations investigate the ability of the SAN to pace and drive with different heterogeneous characteristics of the nodal tissue (gradient and mosaic models) and myocyte orientation. A sigmoidal distribution of the tissue conductivity combined with a mosaic model of SAN and atrial cells in the SEP was able to drive the right atrium (RA) at varying rates induced by gradual If block. Additionally, we investigated the influence of the SEPs by varying their number, length, and width. SEPs created a transition zone of transmembrane voltage and ionic currents to enable successful pace and drive. Unsuccessful simulations showed a hyperpolarized transmembrane voltage (-66 mV), which blocked the L-type channels and attenuated the sodium-calcium exchanger. The fiber direction influenced the SEPs that preferentially activated the crista terminalis (CT). The location of the leading pacemaker site (LPS) shifted toward the SEP-free areas. LPSs were located closer to the SEP-free areas (3.46 ± 1.42 mm), where the hyperpolarizing influence of the CT was reduced, compared with a larger distance from the LPS to the areas where SEPs were located (7.17± 0.98 mm). This study identified the geometrical and electrophysiological aspects of the 3D SAN-SEP-CT structure required for successful pace and drive in silico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Amsaleg
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Jorge Sánchez
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Ralf Mikut
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Axel Loewe
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany.
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8
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Van Schie MS, Knops P, Zhang L, Van Schaagen FRN, Taverne YJHJ, De Groot NMS. Detection of endo-epicardial atrial low-voltage areas using unipolar and omnipolar voltage mapping. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1030025. [PMID: 36277177 PMCID: PMC9582746 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1030025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Low-voltage areas (LVA) can be located exclusively at either the endocardium or epicardium. This has only been demonstrated for bipolar voltages, but the value of unipolar and omnipolar voltages recorded from either the endocardium and epicardium in predicting LVAs at the opposite layer remains unknown. The goal of this study was therefore to compare simultaneously recorded endo-epicardial unipolar and omnipolar potentials and to determine whether their voltage characteristics are predictive for opposite LVAs.Methods: Intra-operative simultaneous endo-epicardial mapping (256 electrodes, interelectrode distances 2 mm) was performed during sinus rhythm at the right atrium in 93 patients (67 ± 9 years, 73 male). Cliques of four electrodes (2 × 2 mm) were used to define maximal omnipolar (Vomni,max) and unipolar (Vuni,max) voltages. LVAs were defined as Vomni,max ≤0.5 mV or Vuni,max ≤1.0 mV.Results: The majority of both unipolar and omnipolar LVAs were located at only the endocardium (74.2% and 82.0% respectively) or epicardium (52.7% and 47.6% respectively). Of the endocardial unipolar LVAs, 25.8% were also located at the opposite layer and 47.3% vice-versa. In omnipolar LVAs, 18.0% of the endocardial LVAs were also located at the epicardium and 52.4% vice-versa. The combination of epicardial Vuni,max and Vomni,max was most accurate in identifying dual-layer LVAs (50.4%).Conclusion: Unipolar and omnipolar LVAs are frequently located exclusively at either the endocardium or epicardium. Endo-epicardial LVAs are most accurately identified using combined epicardial unipolar and omnipolar voltages. Therefore, a combined endo-epicardial unipolar and omnipolar mapping approach is favoured as it may be more indicative of possible arrhythmogenic substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul Knops
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Natasja M. S. De Groot
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Natasja M. S. De Groot,
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9
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Lang RM, Cameli M, Sade LE, Faletra FF, Fortuni F, Rossi A, Soulat-Dufour L. Imaging assessment of the right atrium: anatomy and function. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2022; 23:867-884. [PMID: 35079782 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jeac011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The right atrium (RA) is the cardiac chamber that has been least well studied. Due to recent advances in interventional cardiology, the need for greater understanding of the RA anatomy and physiology has garnered significant attention. In this article, we review how a comprehensive assessment of RA dimensions and function using either echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging may be used as a first step towards a better understanding of RA pathophysiology. The recently published normative data on RA size and function will likely shed light on RA atrial remodelling in atrial fibrillation (AF), which is a complex phenomenon that occurs in both atria but has only been studied in depth in the left atrium. Changes in RA structure and function have prognostic implications in pulmonary hypertension (PH), where the increased right ventricular (RV) afterload first induces RV remodelling, predominantly characterized by hypertrophy. As PH progresses, RV dysfunction and dilatation may begin and eventually lead to RV failure. Thereafter, RV overload and increased RV stiffness may lead to a proportional increase in RA pressure. This manuscript provides an in-depth review of RA anatomy, function, and haemodynamics with particular emphasis on the changes in structure and function that occur in AF, tricuspid regurgitation, and PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto M Lang
- Heart and Vascular Center, University of Chicago, 5758 S Maryland Avenue, MC 9067, DCAM 5509, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Matteo Cameli
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Leila E Sade
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Heart and Vascular Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Cardiology, University of Baskent, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Federico Fortuni
- Department of Cardiology, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, Foligno, Italy.,Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alexia Rossi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zurich University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laurie Soulat-Dufour
- Saint Antoine and Tenon Hospital, AP-HP, Pr Ariel Cohen, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Unité de recherche sur les maladies cardiovasculaires, le métabolisme et la nutrition, ICAN, Paris F-75013, France
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10
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Soto N, Datino T, Gonzalez-Casal D, González-Panizo J, Sánchez-Quintana D, Macias Y, Cabrera JÁ. Anatomical knowledge for the ablation of left and right atrial flutter. Herzschrittmacherther Elektrophysiol 2022; 33:124-132. [PMID: 35579706 DOI: 10.1007/s00399-022-00865-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The different forms of atrial flutter (AFL) and atrial macroreentrant tachycardias are strongly related to the atrial anatomy in structurally normal atria, and even more so in patients with dilated chambers or with previous interventions. Atrial anatomy, macro- and microscopic tissue disposition including myocardial fibers, conduction system and connective tissue is complex. This review summarizes knowledge of atrial anatomy for the interventional electrophysiologist to better understand the pathophysiology of and ablation options for these complex arrhythmias, as well as to perform catheter ablation procedures safely and effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Soto
- Unidad de Arritmias, Departamento de Cardiología, Hospital Universitario Quirón-Salud Madrid and Complejo Hospitalario Ruber Juan Bravo, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 1 Diego de Velázquez, Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Tomás Datino
- Unidad de Arritmias, Departamento de Cardiología, Hospital Universitario Quirón-Salud Madrid and Complejo Hospitalario Ruber Juan Bravo, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 1 Diego de Velázquez, Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - David Gonzalez-Casal
- Unidad de Arritmias, Departamento de Cardiología, Hospital Universitario Quirón-Salud Madrid and Complejo Hospitalario Ruber Juan Bravo, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 1 Diego de Velázquez, Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Jorge González-Panizo
- Unidad de Arritmias, Departamento de Cardiología, Hospital Universitario Quirón-Salud Madrid and Complejo Hospitalario Ruber Juan Bravo, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 1 Diego de Velázquez, Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Damián Sánchez-Quintana
- Departamento de Anatomía Humana y Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Yolanda Macias
- Departamento de Terapéutica Médica y Quirúrgica, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - José-Ángel Cabrera
- Unidad de Arritmias, Departamento de Cardiología, Hospital Universitario Quirón-Salud Madrid and Complejo Hospitalario Ruber Juan Bravo, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 1 Diego de Velázquez, Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain.
- CIBER Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain.
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11
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Arnold R, Hofer E, Haas J, Sanchez-Quintana D, Plank G. Diversity and complexity of the cavotricuspid isthmus in rabbits: A novel scheme for classification and geometrical transformation of anatomical structures. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264625. [PMID: 35231058 PMCID: PMC8887761 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe the morphology of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) in detail and introduce a comprehensive scheme to describe the topology of this region based on functional considerations. This may lead to a better understanding of isthmus-dependent flutter and fibrillation and to improved intervention strategies. We used images of the cavotricuspid isthmus from 52 rabbits of both sexes with a median weight of 3.40 ± 0.93 kg. The area of the CTI was 124.25 ± 42.14 mm2 with 53.28 ± 21.13 mm2 covered by pectinate muscles connecting the terminal crest and the vestibule. Isthmus length decreased from inferolateral (13.09 ±2.14 mm) to central (9.85 ± 2.14 mm) to paraseptal (4.88 ± 1.96 mm) resembling the overall human geometry. Ramification sites of pectinate muscles were identified and six levels dividing the CTI from posterior to anterior were introduced. This allowed the classification of pectinate muscle segments based on the connected ramification level. To account for the high inter-individual variations in size and shape, the CTI was projected onto a normalized reference frame using bilinear transformation. Furthermore, two measures of complexity were introduced: (i) the ramification index, which reflects the total number of muscle segments connected to a ramification site and (ii) the complexity index, which reflects the type of ramification (branching or merging site). Topological analysis showed that the complexity of the pectinate muscle network decreases from inferolateral to paraseptal and that the number of electrically uncoupled parallel pathways increases in the central section between the terminal crest and the vestibule which introduces potential reentry pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Arnold
- Division of Biophysics, Gottfried-Schatz-Research-Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- * E-mail:
| | - Ernst Hofer
- Division of Biophysics, Gottfried-Schatz-Research-Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Josef Haas
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Documentation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Damian Sanchez-Quintana
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Gernot Plank
- Division of Biophysics, Gottfried-Schatz-Research-Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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12
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Aminu AJ, Chen W, Yin Z, Kuniewicz M, Walocha J, Perde F, Molenaar P, Iaizzo PA, Dobrzynski H, Atkinson AJ. Novel micro-computed tomography contrast agents to visualise the human cardiac conduction system and surrounding structures in hearts from normal, aged, and obese individuals. TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH IN ANATOMY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tria.2022.100175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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13
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Lakhani DA, Balar AB, Kim C. Prominent crista terminalis mimicking a right atrial mass: A case report and brief review of the literature. Radiol Case Rep 2021; 17:434-438. [PMID: 34917223 PMCID: PMC8666457 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2021.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The crista terminalis is a normal anatomical structure, characterized by a smooth muscular ridge along the superior aspect of the right atrium. It is derived from resorption of the right valve of the sinus venosus and it divides the right atrium into smooth posteromedial and trabeculated anterolateral portions. Crista terminalis is not normally detected in the standard views of transthoracic echocardiogram and non-gated CT of the chest. In rare circumstances, the crista terminalis may be prominent and could lead to misdiagnosis as a malignant process, such as in our case. A comprehensive understanding of the crista terminalis anatomy, and its characteristic appearance on transthoracic echocardiogram, CT and PET/CT will minimize the risk of misdiagnosis and will avoid patient anxiety with more extensive examinations. Here, we present a case of a 78-year-old male with newly diagnosed high-grade invasive urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma. Pre-operative transthoracic echocardiogram reported as 2 cm right atrial mass concerning a metastasis lesion. Subsequent evaluation with MRI cardiac morphology confirmed the diagnosis of benign prominent crista terminalis, a normal anatomical structure.
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14
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Focal atrial tachycardia-the localization differences between men and women: A study of 487 consecutive patients. Anatol J Cardiol 2020; 24:405-409. [PMID: 33253134 PMCID: PMC7791299 DOI: 10.14744/anatoljcardiol.2020.93024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The preferential sites for focal atrial tachycardia (FAT) are mainly in the right atrium in both sexes. However, a limited number of studies have indicated that sex differences in the localization of FAT. This study investigated possible sex differences in the distribution of FAT in a large cohort of patients referred for ablation. Methods: From 2004 to 2019, 487 patients (298 women) were referred to our institution for ablation of FAT. A standard electrophysiological study was conducted, and isoproterenol or atropine was given when needed. Conventional catheter mapping, electroanatomic contact mapping, and noncontact mapping were used to assess the origin of ectopic atrial tachycardia. Results: Overall, 451 foci were successfully ablated in 436 patients (90%). Although the foci located along the crista terminalis were more common in women than in men (42% vs. 29%; p=0.023), the opposite were found in the foci located along the tricuspid annulus (5% vs. 11%; p=0.032) and the right atrial appendage (RAA) (1% vs. 3%; p=0.032). Other locations were similarly distributed in men and women. In addition, the presence of persistent FAT was more frequent in men than in women (22% vs. 5%; p<0.001). Finally, the difference in the induction pattern of FAT was also remarkable between sexes. Conclusion: The distribution of FAT in women and men is different. In addition, persistent FAT seems more often in men than in women. The different distribution, persistency, and induction pattern of FAT should be considered in the successful management of this type of tachycardia. (Anatol J Cardiol 2020; 24: 405-9)
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15
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Kharbanda RK, Knops P, van der Does LJME, Kik C, Taverne YJHJ, Roos‐Serote MC, Heida A, Oei FBS, Bogers AJJC, de Groot NMS. Simultaneous Endo-Epicardial Mapping of the Human Right Atrium: Unraveling Atrial Excitation. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e017069. [PMID: 32808551 PMCID: PMC7660792 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.017069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background The significance of endo-epicardial asynchrony (EEA) and atrial conduction block (CB), which play an important role in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF) during sinus rhythm is poorly understood. The aim of our study was therefore to examine 3-dimensional activation of the human right atrium (RA). Methods and Results Eighty patients (79% men, 39% history of AF) underwent simultaneous endo-epicardial sinus rhythm mapping of the inferior, middle and superior RA. Areas of CB were defined as conduction delays of ≥12 ms, EEA as activation time differences of opposite electrodes of ≥15 ms and transmural CB as CB at similar endo-epicardial sites. CB was more pronounced at the endocardium (all locations P<0.025). Amount, extensiveness and severity of CB was higher at the superior RA. Transmural CB at the inferior RA was associated with a higher incidence of post-operative AF (P=0.03). EEA occurred up to 84 ms and was more pronounced at the superior RA (superior: 27 ms [interquartile range, 18.3-39.3], versus mid-RA: 20.3 ms [interquartile range, 0-29.9], and inferior RA: 0 ms [interquartile range, 0-21], P<0.001). Hypertension (P=0.009), diabetes mellitus (P=0.018), and hypercholesterolemia (P=0.015) were associated with a higher degree of EEA. CB (P=0.007) and EEA (P=0.037) were more pronounced in patients with a history of persistent AF compared with patients without AF history. Conclusions This study provides important insights into complex atrial endo-epicardial excitation. Significant differences in conduction disorders between the endo- and epicardium and a significant degree of EEA are already present during sinus rhythm and are more pronounced in patients with cardiovascular risk factors or a history of persistent AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit K. Kharbanda
- Department of CardiologyErasmus Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of Cardiothoracic SurgeryErasmus Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Paul Knops
- Department of CardiologyErasmus Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - Charles Kik
- Department of Cardiothoracic SurgeryErasmus Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | | | - Annejet Heida
- Department of CardiologyErasmus Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Frans B. S. Oei
- Department of Cardiothoracic SurgeryErasmus Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Ad J. J. C. Bogers
- Department of Cardiothoracic SurgeryErasmus Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
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16
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Hu W, Zhou D, Hua B, Yang G, Chen H, Ju W, Li M, Zhang F, Zheng L, Chen M. Flutter Wave Morphology of Peri-Mitral Atrial Flutters Is Mainly Determined by Right Atrial Activation: Insights From High-Resolution Mapping. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2020; 13:e008446. [PMID: 32718185 DOI: 10.1161/circep.120.008446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peri-mitral atrial flutters frequently develop post-atrial fibrillation ablation or postcardiac surgery. The determinants of the flutter wave morphology on surface ECG have been less studied. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 24 patients with peri-mitral atrial flutters who underwent biatrial high-resolution mapping at 3 institutions with LUMIPOINT software. We analyzed the overlap between the right atrial (RA) activation time and flutter wave duration and compared the proportion of the endocardial area that was activated in both atria during the flutter wave duration. Biatrial activation patterns and interatrial conductions were also identified. RESULTS The mean tachycardia cycle length was 264±60 ms, with RA activation time 155±45 ms (60.8±20.6% of the tachycardia cycle length), and the flutter wave duration 107±31 ms (41.6±11.7% of the tachycardia cycle length). The overlap between the RA activation time and the flutter wave duration was 102±29 ms, which takes 68.5±17.2% of the RA activation time and 95.7±9.1% of the flutter wave duration, respectively. Quantitative analysis also showed that during the flutter wave duration, more percentage of the endocardial area was activated in the RA than in the left atrium (73.0±12.7% versus 45.2±13.0%, P<0.001). We consistently observed that the RA anterior wall rightward activation corresponded to the positive component in V1 in both flutter patterns, and the RA downward activation corresponded to the positive component in the counterclockwise group or the upward activation corresponded to the negative component in the clockwise group in the inferior leads. The passive RA activation patterns were varied with spontaneous atrial scarring or previous linear ablation. CONCLUSIONS ECG flutter wave morphology of peri-mitral atrial flutters is mainly dependent on RA activation patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Hu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China (W.H., G.Y., H.C., W.J., M.L., F.Z., M.C.)
| | - Dongchen Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou (D.Z., L.Z.)
| | - Baotong Hua
- First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, China (B.H.)
| | - Gang Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China (W.H., G.Y., H.C., W.J., M.L., F.Z., M.C.)
| | - Hongwu Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China (W.H., G.Y., H.C., W.J., M.L., F.Z., M.C.)
| | - Weizu Ju
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China (W.H., G.Y., H.C., W.J., M.L., F.Z., M.C.)
| | - Mingfang Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China (W.H., G.Y., H.C., W.J., M.L., F.Z., M.C.)
| | - Fengxiang Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China (W.H., G.Y., H.C., W.J., M.L., F.Z., M.C.)
| | - Liangrong Zheng
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou (D.Z., L.Z.)
| | - Minglong Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China (W.H., G.Y., H.C., W.J., M.L., F.Z., M.C.)
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17
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Bressan M, Henley T, Louie JD, Liu G, Christodoulou D, Bai X, Taylor J, Seidman CE, Seidman JG, Mikawa T. Dynamic Cellular Integration Drives Functional Assembly of the Heart's Pacemaker Complex. Cell Rep 2019; 23:2283-2291. [PMID: 29791840 PMCID: PMC6007983 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.04.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Impulses generated by a multicellular, bioelectric signaling center termed the sinoatrial node (SAN) stimulate the rhythmic contraction of the heart. The SAN consists of a network of electrochemically oscillating pacemaker cells encased in a heterogeneous connective tissue microenvironment. Although the cellular composition of the SAN has been a point of interest for more than a century, the biological processes that drive the tissue-level assembly of the cells within the SAN are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the SAN’s structural features result from a developmental process during which mesenchymal cells derived from a multipotent progenitor structure, the proepicardium, integrate with and surround pacemaker myocardium. This process actively remodels the forming SAN and is necessary for sustained electrogenic signal generation and propagation. Collectively, these findings provide experimental evidence for how the microenvironmental architecture of the SAN is patterned and demonstrate that proper cellular arrangement is critical for cardiac pacemaker biorhythmicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bressan
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Trevor Henley
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jonathan D Louie
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Gary Liu
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | | | - Xue Bai
- Department of Pathology, McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Joan Taylor
- Department of Pathology, McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | - J G Seidman
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Takashi Mikawa
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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18
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Grijalva SI, Gu J, Li J, Fernandez N, Fan J, Sung JH, Lee SY, Herndon C, Buckley EM, Park S, Fenton FH, Cho HC. Engineered Cardiac Pacemaker Nodes Created by TBX18 Gene Transfer Overcome Source-Sink Mismatch. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2019; 6:1901099. [PMID: 31763140 PMCID: PMC6864514 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201901099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Every heartbeat originates from a tiny tissue in the heart called the sinoatrial node (SAN). The SAN harbors only ≈10 000 cardiac pacemaker cells, initiating an electrical impulse that captures the entire heart, consisting of billions of cardiomyocytes for each cardiac contraction. How these rare cardiac pacemaker cells (the electrical source) can overcome the electrically hyperpolarizing and quiescent myocardium (the electrical sink) is incompletely understood. Due to the scarcity of native pacemaker cells, this concept of source-sink mismatch cannot be tested directly with live cardiac tissue constructs. By exploiting TBX18 induced pacemaker cells by somatic gene transfer, 3D cardiac pacemaker spheroids can be tissue-engineered. The TBX18 induced pacemakers (sphTBX18) pace autonomously and drive the contraction of neighboring myocardium in vitro. TBX18 spheroids demonstrate the need for reduced electrical coupling and physical separation from the neighboring ventricular myocytes, successfully recapitulating a key design principle of the native SAN. β-Adrenergic stimulation as well as electrical uncoupling significantly increase sphTBX18s' ability to pace-and-drive the neighboring myocardium. This model represents the first platform to test design principles of the SAN for mechanistic understanding and to better engineer biological pacemakers for therapeutic translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra I. Grijalva
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringGeorgia Institute of Technology and Emory UniversityAtlantaGA30332USA
| | - Jin‐mo Gu
- Department of PediatricsEmory UniversityAtlantaGA30322USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of PediatricsEmory UniversityAtlantaGA30322USA
| | | | - Jinqi Fan
- Department of PediatricsEmory UniversityAtlantaGA30322USA
| | - Jung Hoon Sung
- Department of PediatricsEmory UniversityAtlantaGA30322USA
- Department of Internal MedicineCHA Bundang Medical CenterSeoul13557South Korea
| | - Seung Yup Lee
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringGeorgia Institute of Technology and Emory UniversityAtlantaGA30332USA
| | - Conner Herndon
- Department of PhysicsGeorgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGA30332USA
| | - Erin M. Buckley
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringGeorgia Institute of Technology and Emory UniversityAtlantaGA30332USA
| | - Sung‐Jin Park
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringGeorgia Institute of Technology and Emory UniversityAtlantaGA30332USA
| | - Flavio H. Fenton
- Department of PhysicsGeorgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGA30332USA
| | - Hee Cheol Cho
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringGeorgia Institute of Technology and Emory UniversityAtlantaGA30332USA
- Department of PediatricsEmory UniversityAtlantaGA30322USA
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19
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Rajiah P, MacNamara J, Chaturvedi A, Ashwath R, Fulton NL, Goerne H. Bands in the Heart: Multimodality Imaging Review. Radiographics 2019; 39:1238-1263. [DOI: 10.1148/rg.2019180176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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20
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Rissi R, Marques MJ, Neto HS. Checking the shape and lobation of the right atrial appendage in view of their clinical relevance. Anat Sci Int 2019; 94:324-329. [PMID: 31073851 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-019-00489-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Clinically, anatomy of the appendage of the atrium is associated with atrial fibrillation, with the shape and lobation of the appendage having been used to stratify the risk of thromboembolic events. The aim of this study was to examine the age-dependent change in the shape and lobation of the right atrial appendage. A cross-sectional evaluation of the heart of 172 adults and 61 children, fixed in 4% formalin solution was performed. The morphology of the atrial appendage was assessed based on its shape and number of lobes. The following shapes of the appendage were identified: horse head, parrot beak, anvil, sailboat, and undefined. Using the horse head shape as a reference, the risk for a thromboembolic event was higher for anvil, sailboat and undefined shapes of the appendage (p < 0.001). The number of lobes ranged between 1 and 6 in adults, and 1 and 5 in children. The number of lobes for each shape was equivalent between adults and children (p > 0.05). Our analysis indicated that the number of lobes and the distribution of shapes of the atrial appendage remained unchanged throughout life. The risk for a thromboembolic event increased with the morphological complexity of the appendage (anvil, sailboat, and undefined), with 21% of adult hearts being prone to intra-atrial thrombosis in cases of fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Rissi
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-865, Brazil.
| | - Maria Julia Marques
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-865, Brazil
| | - Humberto Santo Neto
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-865, Brazil
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21
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Gianni C, Sanchez JE, Mohanty S, Trivedi C, Della Rocca DG, Al-Ahmad A, Burkhardt JD, Gallinghouse GJ, Hranitzky PM, Horton RP, Di Biase L, Natale A. Isolation of the superior vena cava from the right atrial posterior wall: a novel ablation approach. Europace 2019; 20:e124-e132. [PMID: 29016788 DOI: 10.1093/europace/eux262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Superior vena cava (SVC) isolation might be difficult to achieve because of the vicinity of the phrenic nerve (PN) and sinus node. Based on its embryogenesis, we hypothesized the presence of preferential conduction from the right atrial (RA) posterior wall, making it possible to isolate the SVC antrally, sparing its anterior and lateral aspect. Methods and results This is a descriptive cohort study of 105 consecutive patients in which SVC isolation was obtained with radiofrequency ablation, starting in the septal aspect of the SVC-RA junction and continued posteriorly and inferiorly targeting sites of early activation until electrical isolation was obtained. Acute SVC isolation was achieved in 103 (98%) patients; the mean distance between the site of SVC isolation and the SVC-RA junction was 19.9 ± 5.3 (range 9.7-33.7) mm. During follow-up, 2 (2%) patients developed symptomatic diaphragmatic paralysis due to transient right PN injury; 13 patients underwent a repeat ablation: SVC reconnection was observed in 5 patients, and re-isolation was easily achieved by targeting the corresponding sites of early activation. Conclusion Superior vena cava isolation can be completed by targeting its septal segment and sites of early activation in the posterior SVC-RA junction and RA posterior wall; this is a feasible alternative ablation strategy in patients in which SVC isolation cannot be completed with the standard approach. The risk of sinus node injury or SVC stenosis are eliminated; PN injury is still possible but can easily be prevented with high-output pacing to exclude a true posterior course of the PN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Gianni
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David's Medical Center, 3000 N IH-35, Suite 720, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Javier E Sanchez
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David's Medical Center, 3000 N IH-35, Suite 720, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Sanghamitra Mohanty
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David's Medical Center, 3000 N IH-35, Suite 720, Austin, TX, USA.,Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Chintan Trivedi
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David's Medical Center, 3000 N IH-35, Suite 720, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Domenico G Della Rocca
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David's Medical Center, 3000 N IH-35, Suite 720, Austin, TX, USA.,Department of Cardiology, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Amin Al-Ahmad
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David's Medical Center, 3000 N IH-35, Suite 720, Austin, TX, USA
| | - J David Burkhardt
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David's Medical Center, 3000 N IH-35, Suite 720, Austin, TX, USA
| | - G Joseph Gallinghouse
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David's Medical Center, 3000 N IH-35, Suite 720, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Patrick M Hranitzky
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David's Medical Center, 3000 N IH-35, Suite 720, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Rodney P Horton
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David's Medical Center, 3000 N IH-35, Suite 720, Austin, TX, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Luigi Di Biase
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David's Medical Center, 3000 N IH-35, Suite 720, Austin, TX, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA.,Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Andrea Natale
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David's Medical Center, 3000 N IH-35, Suite 720, Austin, TX, USA.,Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA.,Interventional Electrophysiology, Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Metro Health Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Division of Cardiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia Services, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
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22
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Morris GM, Segan L, Wong G, Wynn G, Watts T, Heck P, Walters TE, Nisbet A, Sparks P, Morton JB, Kistler PM, Kalman JM. Atrial Tachycardia Arising From the Crista Terminalis, Detailed Electrophysiological Features and Long-Term Ablation Outcomes. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2019; 5:448-458. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2019.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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23
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Makowiec D, Wdowczyk J, Struzik ZR. Heart Rhythm Insights Into Structural Remodeling in Atrial Tissue: Timed Automata Approach. Front Physiol 2019; 9:1859. [PMID: 30692928 PMCID: PMC6340163 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The heart rhythm of a person following heart transplantation (HTX) is assumed to display an intrinsic cardiac rhythm because it is significantly less influenced by the autonomic nervous system-the main source of heart rate variability in healthy people. Therefore, such a rhythm provides evidence for arrhythmogenic processes developing, usually silently, in the cardiac tissue. A model is proposed to simulate alterations in the cardiac tissue and to observe the effects of these changes on the resulting heart rhythm. The hybrid automata framework used makes it possible to represent reliably and simulate efficiently both the electrophysiology of a cardiac cell and the tissue organization. The curve fitting method used in the design of the hybrid automaton cycle follows the well-recognized physiological phases of the atrial myocyte membrane excitation. Moreover, knowledge of the complex architecture of the right atrium, the ability of the almost free design of intercellular connections makes the automata approach the only one possible. Two particular aspects are investigated: impairment of the impulse transmission between cells and structural changes in intercellular connections. The first aspect models the observed fatigue of cells due to specific cardiac tissue diseases. The second aspect simulates the increase in collagen deposition with aging. Finally, heart rhythms arising from the model are validated with the sinus heart rhythms recorded in HTX patients. The modulation in the impairment of the impulse transmission between cells reveals qualitatively the abnormally high heart rate variability observed in patients living long after HTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danuta Makowiec
- Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics, University of Gdańsk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Joanna Wdowczyk
- 1st Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Zbigniew R Struzik
- RIKEN Advanced Center for Computing and Communication, Wako, Japan.,Graduate School of Education, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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24
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Wang J, Wang G, Bi X, Zhang R, Liu C. An unusual presentation of prominent crista terminalis mimicking a right atrial mass: a case report. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2018; 18:210. [PMID: 30404609 PMCID: PMC6223080 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-018-0925-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The crista terminalis is a variation of normal anatomical structure within the right atrium which may be misdiagnosed with an abnormal atrial mass normally visualized in the standard views on the transthoracic echocardiogram. Case presentation In this case presentation, we demonstrated a rare case report describing the accidental discovery of a right atrial mass-like structure in a 54-year old Asian man without physical discomfort during an echocardiographic examination. These findings naturally caused some concern as the differential diagnosis such as right atrial myxoma or thrombus and further examination were organized. The subsequent positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) differentiated a true right atrial mass from a strip extending into the atrium in accordance with prominent crista terminalis. Conclusion A preferable understanding of the complex anatomy and PET/MRI appearance of a prominent crista terminalis will minimize the misdiagnosis of this structure and avoiding unnecessary anxiety and more invasive examinations. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12872-018-0925-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Wang
- Department of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, 28th Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Anshan Central Hospital, 77th Zhonghua Road (South), Anshan, 114001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xiao Bi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, 28th Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Ran Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, 28th Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Changfu Liu
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, 28th Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.
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Roy A, Varela M, Aslanidi O. Image-Based Computational Evaluation of the Effects of Atrial Wall Thickness and Fibrosis on Re-entrant Drivers for Atrial Fibrillation. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1352. [PMID: 30349483 PMCID: PMC6187302 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Catheter ablation (CA) is a common treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF), but the knowledge of optimal ablation sites, and hence clinical outcomes, are suboptimal. Increasing evidence suggest that ablation strategies based on patient-specific substrates information, such as distributions of fibrosis and atrial wall thickness (AWT), may be used to improve therapy. We hypothesized that competing influences of large AWT gradients and fibrotic patches on conductive properties of atrial tissue can determine locations of re-entrant drivers (RDs) sustaining AF. Methods: Two sets of models were used: (1) a simple model of 3D atrial tissue slab with a step change in AWT and a synthetic fibrosis patch, and (2) 3D models based on patient-specific right atrial (RA) and left atrial (LA) geometries. The latter were obtained from four healthy volunteers and two AF patients, respectively, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A synthetic fibrotic patch was added in the RA and fibrosis distributions in the LA were obtained from gadolinium-enhanced MRI of the same patients. In all models, 3D geometry was combined with the Fenton-Karma atrial cell model to simulate RDs. Results: In the slab, RDs drifted toward, and then along the AWT step. However, with additional fibrosis, the RDs were localized in regions between the step and fibrosis. In the RA, RDs drifted toward and anchored to a large AWT gradient between the crista terminalis (CT) region and the surrounding atrial wall. Without such a gradient, RDs drifted toward the superior vena cava (SVC) or the tricuspid valve (TSV). With additional fibrosis, RDs initiated away from the CT anchored to the fibrotic patch, whereas RDs initiated close to the CT region remained localized between the two structures. In the LA, AWT was more uniform and RDs drifted toward the pulmonary veins (PVs). However, with additional fibrotic patches, RDs either anchored to them or multiplied. Conclusion: In the RA, RD locations are determined by both fibrosis and AWT gradients at the CT region. In the LA, they are determined by fibrosis due to the absence of large AWT gradients. These results elucidate mechanisms behind the stabilization of RDs sustaining AF and can help guide ablation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Oleg Aslanidi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, King’s Health Partners, St Thomas’ Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Endo-epicardial asynchrony (EEA) and the interplay between the endocardial and epicardial layers could be important in the pathophysiology of atrial arrhythmias. The morphologic differences between epicardial and endocardial atrial electrograms have not yet been described, and electrogram morphology may hold information about the presence of EEA. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to directly compare epicardial to endocardial unipolar electrogram morphology during sinus rhythm (SR) and to evaluate whether EEA contributes to electrogram fractionation by correlating fractionation to spatial activation patterns. METHODS In 26 patients undergoing cardiac surgery, unipolar electrograms were simultaneously recorded from the epicardium and endocardium at the inferior, middle, and superior right atrial (RA) free wall during SR. Potentials were analyzed for epi-endocardial differences in local activation time, voltage, RS ratio, and fractionation. The surrounding and opposite electrograms of fractionated deflections were evaluated for corresponding local activation times in order to determine whether fractionation originated from EEA. RESULTS The superior RA was predisposed to delayed activation, EEA, and fractionation. Both epicardial and endocardial electrograms demonstrated an S-predominance. Fractionation was mostly similar between the 2 sides; however, incidentally deflections up to 4 mV on 1 side could be absent on the other side. Remote activation was responsible for most fractionated deflections (95%) in SR, of which 4% could be attributed to EEA. CONCLUSION Local epi-endocardial differences in electrogram fractionation occur occasionally during SR but will likely increase during arrhythmias due to increasing EEA and (functional) conduction disorders. Electrogram fractionation can originate from EEA, and this study demonstrated that unipolar electrogram fractionation can potentially identify EEA.
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Spiral activation of the superior vena cava: The utility of ultra-high-resolution mapping for caval isolation. Heart Rhythm 2018; 15:193-200. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2017.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Arisha MJ, Hsiung MC, Nanda NC, Gupta A, George DC, Elkaryoni A, Barssoum K, Mohamed AH, Srialluri S. Two- and three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiographic assessment of superior vena cava, crista terminalis, and right atrial appendage using the right parasternal approach. Echocardiography 2017; 34:1919-1929. [DOI: 10.1111/echo.13771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed J. Arisha
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease; University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham AL USA
| | - Ming C. Hsiung
- Division of Cardiology; Cheng Hsin General Hospital; Taipei Taiwan
| | - Navin C. Nanda
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease; University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham AL USA
| | - Ankur Gupta
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Department of Radiology; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston MA USA
| | - David C. George
- Division of Internal Medicine; University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham AL USA
| | - Ahmed Elkaryoni
- Department of Internal Medicine; University of Missouri-Kansas City; Kansas City MO USA
| | - Kirolos Barssoum
- Department of Medicine; Rochester General Hospital; Rochester NY USA
| | - Ahmed H. Mohamed
- Department of Medicine; Rochester General Hospital; Rochester NY USA
| | - Swetha Srialluri
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease; University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham AL USA
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Pollnow S, Arnold R, Werber M, Dossel O, Seemann G. Hyperthermia dependence of cardiac conduction velocity in rat myocardium: Optical mapping and cardiac near field measurements. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2017; 2017:3688-3691. [PMID: 29060699 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2017.8037658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Hyperthermia during radiofrequency ablation causes reversible and irreversible changes of the electrophysiological properties of cardiac tissue. However, the mechanisms are incompletely understood. We studied changes of conduction velocity (CV) in rat myocardium under hyperthermic conditions from macroscopic to microscopic scale by using simultaneous optical mapping and a miniaturized electrode array. Atrial preparations from five rats were superfused at tissue bath temperatures between 36.7°C and 43.8°C. Optical mapping data showed an elevated median CV by 21% when increasing the temperature from 36.7°C to 42.0°C. CV did not increase above 42.0°C. Electrical measurements revealed a similar temperature dependence of CV between 36.7°C and 42.0°C, i.e. an increase of median CV by 26%. The consolidation of optical and electrical data in this study allowed investigation of excitation during global hyperthermia. Macroscopic optical mapping and microscopic electrical measurements demonstrated that hyperthermia strongly influenced electrical propagation at a microscopic scale.
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Varela M, Morgan R, Theron A, Dillon-Murphy D, Chubb H, Whitaker J, Henningsson M, Aljabar P, Schaeffter T, Kolbitsch C, Aslanidi OV. Novel MRI Technique Enables Non-Invasive Measurement of Atrial Wall Thickness. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MEDICAL IMAGING 2017; 36:1607-1614. [PMID: 28422654 PMCID: PMC5549842 DOI: 10.1109/tmi.2017.2671839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of atrial wall thickness (AWT) has the potential to provide important information for patient stratification and the planning of interventions in atrial arrhythmias. To date, information about AWT has only been acquired in post-mortem or poor-contrast computed tomography (CT) studies, providing limited coverage and highly variable estimates of AWT. We present a novel contrast agent-free MRI sequence for imaging AWT and use it to create personalized AWT maps and a biatrial atlas. A novel black-blood phase-sensitive inversion recovery protocol was used to image ten volunteers and, as proof of concept, two atrial fibrillation patients. Both atria were manually segmented to create subject-specific AWT maps using an average of nearest neighbors approach. These were then registered non-linearly to generate an AWT atlas. AWT was 2.4 ± 0.7 and 2.7 ± 0.7 mm in the left and right atria, respectively, in good agreement with post-mortem and CT data, where available. AWT was 2.6 ± 0.7 mm in the left atrium of a patient without structural heart disease, similar to that of volunteers. In a patient with structural heart disease, the AWT was increased to 3.1 ± 1.3 mm. We successfully designed an MRI protocol to non-invasively measure AWT and create the first whole-atria AWT atlas. The atlas can be used as a reference to study alterations in thickness caused by atrial pathology. The protocol can be used to acquire personalized AWT maps in a clinical setting and assist in the treatment of atrial arrhythmias.
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Clinical Anatomy of the Cavotricuspid Isthmus and Terminal Crest. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163383. [PMID: 27682030 PMCID: PMC5040420 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to provide useful information about the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) and surrounding areas morphology, which may help to plan CTI radio-frequency ablation. We examined 140 autopsied human hearts from Caucasian individuals of both sexes (29.3% females) with a mean age of 49.1±17.2 years. We macroscopically investigated the lower part of the right atrium, the CTI, the inferior vena cava ostium and the terminal crest. The paraseptal isthmus (18.5±4.0 mm) was significantly shorter than the central isthmus (p<0.0001), and the central isthmus (24.0±4.2 mm) was significantly shorter than the inferolateral isthmus (29.3±4.9 mm) (p<0.0001). Heart weight was positively correlated with all isthmus diameters. Three different sectors of CTI were distinguished: anterior, middle and posterior. The middle sector of the CTI presented a different morphology: trabeculae (N = 87; 62.1%), intertrabecular recesses (N = 35; 25.0%) and trabecular bridges (N = 18; 12.9%). A single sub-Eustachian recess was present in 48.6% of hearts (N = 68), and a double recess was present in 2.9% of hearts (N = 4) with mean depth = 5.6±1.8mm and diameter = 7.1±3.4mm. The morphology of the distal terminal crest was varied; 10 patterns of the distal terminal crest ramifications were noted. There were no statistically significant differences in any of the investigated CTI parameters between groups with different types of terminal crest ramifications. The presence of intertrabecular recesses (25.0%), trabecular bridges (12.9%) and sub-Eustachian recesses (48.6%) within the CTI can make ablation more difficult. We have presented the macroscopic patterns of final ramifications of the terminal crest within the quadrilateral CTI area.
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Goette A, Kalman JM, Aguinaga L, Akar J, Cabrera JA, Chen SA, Chugh SS, Corradi D, D'Avila A, Dobrev D, Fenelon G, Gonzalez M, Hatem SN, Helm R, Hindricks G, Ho SY, Hoit B, Jalife J, Kim YH, Lip GYH, Ma CS, Marcus GM, Murray K, Nogami A, Sanders P, Uribe W, Van Wagoner DR, Nattel S. EHRA/HRS/APHRS/SOLAECE expert consensus on Atrial cardiomyopathies: Definition, characterisation, and clinical implication. J Arrhythm 2016; 32:247-78. [PMID: 27588148 PMCID: PMC4996910 DOI: 10.1016/j.joa.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Goette
- Departement of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz-Hospital Paderborn, Working Group: Molecular Electrophysiology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jonathan M Kalman
- University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Sumeet S Chugh
- The Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Mario Gonzalez
- Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, Penn State University, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Stephane N Hatem
- Department of Cardiology, Assistance Publique - Hô pitaux de Paris, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S1166, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition-ICAN, Paris, France
| | - Robert Helm
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Siew Yen Ho
- Royal Brompton Hospital and Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Brian Hoit
- UH Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Prashanthan Sanders
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - William Uribe
- Electrophysiology Deparment at Centros Especializados de San Vicente Fundació n and Clínica CES. Universidad CES, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB), Medellin, Colombia
| | | | - Stanley Nattel
- Université de Montréal, Montreal Heart Institute Research Center and McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Goette A, Kalman JM, Aguinaga L, Akar J, Cabrera JA, Chen SA, Chugh SS, Corradi D, D'Avila A, Dobrev D, Fenelon G, Gonzalez M, Hatem SN, Helm R, Hindricks G, Ho SY, Hoit B, Jalife J, Kim YH, Lip GYH, Ma CS, Marcus GM, Murray K, Nogami A, Sanders P, Uribe W, Van Wagoner DR, Nattel S. EHRA/HRS/APHRS/SOLAECE expert consensus on atrial cardiomyopathies: definition, characterization, and clinical implication. Europace 2016; 18:1455-1490. [PMID: 27402624 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euw161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 429] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Goette
- Departement of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Vincenz-Hospital Paderborn, Working Group: Molecular Electrophysiology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jonathan M Kalman
- University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Sumeet S Chugh
- The Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Mario Gonzalez
- Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, Penn State University, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Stephane N Hatem
- Department of Cardiology, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital; Sorbonne University; INSERM UMR_S1166; Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition-ICAN, Paris, France
| | - Robert Helm
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Siew Yen Ho
- Royal Brompton Hospital and Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Brian Hoit
- UH Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Prashanthan Sanders
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - William Uribe
- Electrophysiology Deparment at Centros Especializados de San Vicente Fundación and Clínica CES. Universidad CES, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB), Medellin, Colombia
| | | | - Stanley Nattel
- Université de Montréal, Montreal Heart Institute Research Center and McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada .,Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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EHRA/HRS/APHRS/SOLAECE expert consensus on atrial cardiomyopathies: Definition, characterization, and clinical implication. Heart Rhythm 2016; 14:e3-e40. [PMID: 27320515 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2016.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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35
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Hołda MK, Klimek-Piotrowska W, Koziej M, Piątek K, Hołda J. Influence of different fixation protocols on the preservation and dimensions of cardiac tissue. J Anat 2016; 229:334-40. [PMID: 27031944 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent extensive progress in invasive cardiac procedures has triggered a wave of dozens of heart morphometric anatomical studies that are carried out largely using autopsied samples fixed in formaldehyde solution prior to observations and measurements. In reality, very little is known about changes in heart tissue dimensions during fixation. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate how fixation affects the dimensions of cardiac tissue, and if different types and concentrations of reagents affect this phenomenon. A total of 40 pig heart samples were investigated, and seven different measuring sites were permanently marked in every heart prior to fixation. Four study groups (n = 10 each) were assembled that differed only in concentration and the type of fixative: (i) 2% formaldehyde solution; (ii) 4% formaldehyde solution (formalin); (iii) 10% formaldehyde solution; (iv) alcoholic formalin. The samples were measured before and after fixation at the following time points: 24 h, 72 h and 168 h. It was found that different fixatives significantly affected different parameters. Almost all of the heart dimensions that were measured stabilized after 24 h; later changes were statistically insignificant in the point-to-point comparison. Change in the length of the interatrial septum surface was not altered significantly in any of the fixatives after 24 h of preservation. It was found that 10% formaldehyde increased the thickness of muscular tissue only after 24 h; this thickening was reduced after 72 h and was insignificant at 168 h. Other heart parameters in this group do not present significant changes over the entire fixation time duration. In conclusion, the 10% formaldehyde phosphate-buffered solution appeared to be the best fixative among the fixatives that were studied for cardiac morphometric purposes; this solution caused the smallest changes in tissue dimensions. Measurements should be obtained at least after 1 week of preservation when most parameters exhibit the smallest changes compared with the non-preserved samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz K Hołda
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | | | - Mateusz Koziej
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Piątek
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Jakub Hołda
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
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Salim H, Palit A, Maher A. When is a mass not a mass? An unusual presentation of prominent crista terminalis. BMJ Case Rep 2016; 2016:bcr-2015-211532. [PMID: 26880820 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2015-211532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This case report describes a patient in whom echocardiography showed borderline left ventricular hypertrophy and a mass adjacent to the right atrial wall. This naturally caused some concern as the differential diagnoses included that of a right atrial myxoma and further investigations were organised. A subsequent cardiac MRI revealed this thickening to be a prominent crista terminalis. The crista terminalis is a variant of normal anatomical structures within the right atrium, which mimics an atrial mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Handi Salim
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - Amitabh Palit
- Department of Radiology, George Eliot Hospital, Nuneaton, UK
| | - Abdul Maher
- Department of Cardiology, George Eliot Hospital, Nuneaton, UK
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Csepe TA, Zhao J, Hansen BJ, Li N, Sul LV, Lim P, Wang Y, Simonetti OP, Kilic A, Mohler PJ, Janssen PML, Fedorov VV. Human sinoatrial node structure: 3D microanatomy of sinoatrial conduction pathways. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 120:164-78. [PMID: 26743207 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2015.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Revised: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite a century of extensive study on the human sinoatrial node (SAN), the structure-to-function features of specialized SAN conduction pathways (SACP) are still unknown and debated. We report a new method for direct analysis of the SAN microstructure in optically-mapped human hearts with and without clinical history of SAN dysfunction. METHODS Two explanted donor human hearts were coronary-perfused and optically-mapped. Structural analyses of histological sections parallel to epicardium (∼13-21 μm intervals) were integrated with optical maps to create 3D computational reconstructions of the SAN complex. High-resolution fiber fields were obtained using 3D Eigen-analysis of the structure tensor, and used to analyze SACP microstructure with a fiber-tracking approach. RESULTS Optical mapping revealed normal SAN activation of the atria through a lateral SACP proximal to the crista terminalis in Heart #1 but persistent SAN exit block in diseased Heart #2. 3D structural analysis displayed a functionally-observed SAN border composed of fibrosis, fat, and/or discontinuous fibers between SAN and atria, which was only crossed by several branching myofiber tracts in SACP regions. Computational 3D fiber-tracking revealed that myofiber tracts of SACPs created continuous connections between SAN #1 and atria, but in SAN #2, SACP region myofiber tracts were discontinuous due to fibrosis and fat. CONCLUSIONS We developed a new integrative functional, structural and computational approach that allowed for the resolution of the specialized 3D microstructure of human SACPs for the first time. Application of this integrated approach will shed new light on the role of the specialized SAN microanatomy in maintaining sinus rhythm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Csepe
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jichao Zhao
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Brian J Hansen
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lidiya V Sul
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Praise Lim
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Orlando P Simonetti
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ahmet Kilic
- Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Peter J Mohler
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Paul M L Janssen
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Vadim V Fedorov
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Anatomical Basis for the Cardiac Interventional Electrophysiologist. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:547364. [PMID: 26665006 PMCID: PMC4668306 DOI: 10.1155/2015/547364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The establishment of radiofrequency catheter ablation techniques as the mainstay in the treatment of tachycardia has renewed new interest in cardiac anatomy. The interventional arrhythmologist has drawn attention not only to the gross anatomic details of the heart but also to architectural and histological characteristics of various cardiac regions that are relevant to the development or recurrence of tachyarrhythmias and procedural related complications of catheter ablation. In this review, therefore, we discuss some anatomic landmarks commonly used in catheter ablations including the terminal crest, sinus node region, Koch's triangle, cavotricuspid isthmus, Eustachian ridge and valve, pulmonary venous orifices, venoatrial junctions, and ventricular outflow tracts. We also discuss the anatomical features of important structures in the vicinity of the atria and pulmonary veins, such as the esophagus and phrenic nerves. This paper provides basic anatomic information to improve understanding of the mapping and ablative procedures for cardiac interventional electrophysiologists.
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Baxi AJ, Tavakoli S, Vargas D, Restrepo CS. Bands, Chords, Tendons, and Membranes in the Heart: An Imaging Overview. Curr Probl Diagn Radiol 2015; 45:380-391. [PMID: 26433812 DOI: 10.1067/j.cpradiol.2015.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Crests, bands, chords, and membranes can be seen within the different cardiac chambers, with variable clinical significance. They can be incidental or can have clinical implications by causing hemodynamic disturbance. It is crucial to know the morphology and orientation of normal structures, aberrant or accessory muscles, and abnormal membranes to diagnose the hemodynamic disturbance associated with them. Newer generation computed tomographic scanners and faster magnetic resonance imaging sequences offer high spatial and temporal resolution allowing for acquisition of high resolution images of the cardiac chambers improving identification of small internal structures, such as papillary muscles, muscular bands, chords, and membranes. They also help in identification of other associated complications, malformations, and provide a road map for treatment. In this article, we review cross-sectional cardiac imaging findings of normal anatomical variants and distinctive imaging features of pathologic bands, chords, or membranes, which may produce significant hemodynamic changes and clinical symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameya Jagdish Baxi
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX.
| | - Sina Tavakoli
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Daniel Vargas
- Department of Radiology, University of Colorado Hospital, Denver, CO
| | - Carlos S Restrepo
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
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40
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Wachter A, Loewe A, Krueger MW, Dössel O, Seemann G. Mesh structure-independent modeling of patient-specific atrial fiber orientation. CURRENT DIRECTIONS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2015. [DOI: 10.1515/cdbme-2015-0099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe fiber orientation in the atria has a significant contribution to the electrophysiologic behavior of the heart and to the genesis of arrhythmia. Atrial fiber orientation has a direct effect on excitation propagation, activation patterns and the P-wave. We present a rule-based algorithm that works robustly on different volumetric meshes composed of either isotropic hexahedra or arbitrary tetrahedra as well as on 3-dimensional triangular surface meshes in patient-specific geometric models. This method fosters the understanding of general proarrhythmic mechanisms and enhances patient-specific modeling approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Wachter
- 1Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstr. 12, 76128 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Axel Loewe
- 1Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstr. 12, 76128 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Martin W Krueger
- 2ABB Corporate Research, ABB AG, Wallstadter Str. 59, 68526 Ladenburg, Germany
| | - Olaf Dössel
- 1Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstr. 12, 76128 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Gunnar Seemann
- 1Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstr. 12, 76128 Karlsruhe, Germany
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Gonzales MJ, Vincent KP, Rappel WJ, Narayan SM, McCulloch AD. Structural contributions to fibrillatory rotors in a patient-derived computational model of the atria. Europace 2015; 16 Suppl 4:iv3-iv10. [PMID: 25362167 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euu251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to investigate structural contributions to the maintenance of rotors in human atrial fibrillation (AF) and possible mechanisms of termination. METHODS AND RESULTS A three-dimensional human biatrial finite element model based on patient-derived computed tomography and arrhythmia observed at electrophysiology study was used to study AF. With normal physiological electrical conductivity and effective refractory periods (ERPs), wave break failed to sustain reentrant activity or electrical rotors. With depressed excitability, decreased conduction anisotropy, and shorter ERP characteristic of AF, reentrant rotors were readily maintained. Rotors were transiently or permanently trapped by fibre discontinuities on the lateral wall of the right atrium near the tricuspid valve orifice and adjacent to the crista terminalis, both known sites of right atrial arrhythmias. Modelling inexcitable regions near the rotor tip to simulate fibrosis anchored the rotors, converting the arrhythmia to macro-reentry. Accordingly, increasing the spatial core of inexcitable tissue decreased the frequency of rotation, widened the excitable gap, and enabled an external wave to impinge on the rotor core and displace the source. CONCLUSION These model findings highlight the importance of structural features in rotor dynamics and suggest that regions of fibrosis may anchor fibrillatory rotors. Increasing extent of fibrosis and scar may eventually convert fibrillation to excitable gap reentry. Such macro-reentry can then be eliminated by extending the obstacle or by external stimuli that penetrate the excitable gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Gonzales
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, Mail Code 0412, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0412, USA
| | - Kevin P Vincent
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, Mail Code 0412, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0412, USA
| | - Wouter-Jan Rappel
- Department of Physics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sanjiv M Narayan
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA Cardiac Biomedical Science and Engineering Center, University of California San Diego, CA, USA VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Andrew D McCulloch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, Mail Code 0412, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0412, USA Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA Cardiac Biomedical Science and Engineering Center, University of California San Diego, CA, USA
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42
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Tadic M. The right atrium, a forgotten cardiac chamber: An updated review of multimodality imaging. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2015; 43:335-345. [PMID: 25732678 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.22261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite several limitations, two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) is the standard method for assessing the right atrium (RA) in everyday clinical routine. Cardiac magnetic resonance remains the current "gold standard" for RA visualization and volume quantification. The development of 2DE-derived strain imaging has enabled assessing RA deformation and phasic function in various pathologic conditions. Three-dimensional echocardiography was demonstrated to be more accurate and reproducible than 2DE for cardiac chamber quantification, while also allowing the evaluation of RA phasic function without geometric assumption. The purpose of this review is to summarize currently available data about RA anatomy, phasic function, and mechanics acquired by different imaging modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijana Tadic
- University Clinical Hospital Centre "Dr. Dragisa Misovic-Dedinje", Heroja Milana Tepica 1, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, Doktora Subotica 6, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
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43
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Csepe TA, Kalyanasundaram A, Hansen BJ, Zhao J, Fedorov VV. Fibrosis: a structural modulator of sinoatrial node physiology and dysfunction. Front Physiol 2015; 6:37. [PMID: 25729366 PMCID: PMC4325882 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart rhythm is initialized and controlled by the Sinoatrial Node (SAN), the primary pacemaker of the heart. The SAN is a heterogeneous multi-compartment structure characterized by clusters of specialized cardiomyocytes enmeshed within strands of connective tissue or fibrosis. Intranodal fibrosis is emerging as an important modulator of structural and functional integrity of the SAN pacemaker complex. In adult human hearts, fatty tissue and fibrosis insulate the SAN from the hyperpolarizing effect of the surrounding atria while electrical communication between the SAN and right atrium is restricted to discrete SAN conduction pathways. The amount of fibrosis within the SAN is inversely correlated with heart rate, while age and heart size are positively correlated with fibrosis. Pathological upregulation of fibrosis within the SAN may lead to tachycardia-bradycardia arrhythmias and cardiac arrest, possibly due to SAN reentry and exit block, and is associated with atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias, heart failure and myocardial infarction. In this review, we will discuss current literature on the role of fibrosis in normal SAN structure and function, as well as the causes and consequences of SAN fibrosis upregulation in disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Csepe
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anuradha Kalyanasundaram
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brian J Hansen
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jichao Zhao
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Vadim V Fedorov
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Columbus, OH, USA
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44
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de Bakker DM, Wilkinson M, Jensen B. Extreme variation in the atrial septation of caecilians (Amphibia: Gymnophiona). J Anat 2014; 226:1-12. [PMID: 25400089 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Caecilians (order Gymnophiona) are elongate, limbless, snake-like amphibians that are the sister-group (closest relatives) of all other recent amphibians (frogs and salamanders). Little is known of their cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, but one nearly century old study suggests that Hypogeophis (family Indotyphlidae), commonly relied upon as a representative caecilian species, has atrial septation in the frontal plane and more than one septum. In contrast, in other vertebrates there generally is one atrial septum in the sagittal plane. We studied the adult heart of Idiocranium (also Indotyphlidae) using immunohistochemistry and confirm that the interatrial septum is close to the frontal plane. Additionally, a parallel right atrial septum divides three-fourths of the right atrial cavity of this species. Idiocranium embryos in the Hill collection reveal that atrial septation initiates in the sagittal plane as in other tetrapods. Late developmental stages, however, see a left-ward shift of visceral organs and a concordant rotation of the atria that reorients the atrial septa towards the frontal plane. The gross anatomies of species from six other caecilian families reveal that (i) the right atrial septum developed early in caecilian evolution (only absent in Rhinatrematidae) and that (ii) rotation of the atria evolved later and its degree varies between families. In most vertebrates a prominent atrial trabeculation associates with the sinuatrial valve, the so-called septum spurium, and the right atrial septum seems homologous to this trabeculation but much more developed. The right atrial septum does not appear to be a consequence of body elongation because it is absent in some caecilians and in snakes. The interatrial septum of caecilians shares multiple characters with the atrial septum of lungfishes, salamanders and the embryonic septum primum of amniotes. In conclusion, atrial septation in caecilians is based on evolutionarily conserved structures but possibly exhibits greater variation than in any other vertebrate order.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desiderius M de Bakker
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology & Physiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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JOHNSRUDE CHRISTOPHER. Cryoablation of Focal Tachycardia Originating from the Right Atrial Free Wall during Upstream Phrenic Pacing to Avoid Phrenic Nerve Injury. PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY: PACE 2014; 38:120-8. [DOI: 10.1111/pace.12527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- CHRISTOPHER JOHNSRUDE
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology; Department of Pediatrics; University of Louisville School of Medicine; Louisville Kentucky
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46
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Corradi D, Callegari S, Gelsomino S, Lorusso R, Macchi E. Morphology and pathophysiology of target anatomical sites for ablation procedures in patients with atrial fibrillation. Part I: Atrial structures (atrial myocardium and coronary sinus). Int J Cardiol 2013; 168:1758-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2013.05.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Revised: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Sánchez-Quintana D, López-Mínguez JR, Pizarro G, Murillo M, Cabrera JA. Triggers and anatomical substrates in the genesis and perpetuation of atrial fibrillation. Curr Cardiol Rev 2013; 8:310-26. [PMID: 22920484 PMCID: PMC3492815 DOI: 10.2174/157340312803760721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2012] [Revised: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The definition of atrial fibrillation (AF) as a functional electrical disorder does not reflect the significant underlying structural abnormalities. Atrial and Pulmonary Vein (PV) muscle sleeve microstructural remodeling is present, and establishes a vulnerable substrate for AF maintenance. In spite of an incomplete understanding of the anatomo-functional basis for AF, current evidence demonstrates that this arrhythmia usually requires a trigger for initiation and a vulnerable electrophysiological and/or anatomical substrate for maintenance. It is still unclear whether the trigger mechanisms include focal enhanced automaticity, triggered activity and/or micro re-entry from myocardial tissue. Initiation of AF can be favored by both parasympathetic and sympathetic stimulation, which also seem to play a role in maintaining AF. Finally, evolving clinical evidence demonstrates that inflammation is associated with new-onset and recurrent AF through a mechanism that possibly involves cellular degeneration, apoptosis, and subsequent atrial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damián Sánchez-Quintana
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain.
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Campos FO, Wiener T, Prassl AJ, dos Santos RW, Sanchez-Quintana D, Ahammer H, Plank G, Hofer E. Electroanatomical characterization of atrial microfibrosis in a histologically detailed computer model. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2013; 60:2339-49. [PMID: 23559023 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2013.2256359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is thought to play an important role in the formation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). The propensity of fibrosis to increase AF vulnerability depends not only on its amount, its texture plays a crucial role as well. While the detection of fibrotic tissue patches in the atria with extracellular recordings is feasible based on the analysis of electrogram fractionation, as used in clinical practice to identify ablation targets, the classification of fibrotic texture is a more challenging problem. This study seeks to establish a method for the electroanatomical characterization of the fibrotic textures based on the analysis of electrogram fractionation. The proposed method exploits the dependence of fractionation patterns on the incidence direction of wavefronts which differs significantly as a function of texture. A histologically detailed computer model of the right atrial isthmus was developed for testing the method. A stimulation protocol was conceived which generated various incidence directions for any given recording site where electrograms were computed. A classification method is derived then for discriminating three types of fibrosis, no fibrosis (control), diffuse, and patchy fibrosis. Simulation results showed that electrogram fractionation and amplitudes and their dependence upon incidence direction allow a robust discrimination between different classes of fibrosis. Finally, to minimize the technical effort, sensitivity analysis was performed to identify a minimum number of incidence directions required for robust classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando O Campos
- Institute of Biophysics, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria, and with the Institute of Medical Engineering, Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria.
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Deng DD, Gong YL, Shou GF, Jiao PF, Zhang HG, Ye XS, Xia L. Simulation of biatrial conduction via different pathways during sinus rhythm with a detailed human atrial model. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2013; 13:676-94. [PMID: 22949359 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b1100339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In order to better understand biatrial conduction, investigate various conduction pathways, and compare the differences between isotropic and anisotropic conductions in human atria, we present a simulation study of biatrial conduction with known/assumed conduction pathways using a recently developed human atrial model. In addition to known pathways: (1) Bachmann's bundle (BB), (2) limbus of fossa ovalis (LFO), and (3) coronary sinus (CS), we also hypothesize that there exist two fast conduction bundles that connect the crista terminalis (CT), LFO, and CS. Our simulation demonstrates that use of these fast conduction bundles results in a conduction pattern consistent with experimental data. The comparison of isotropic and anisotropoic conductions in the BB case showed that the atrial working muscles had small effect on conduction time and conduction speed, although the conductivities assigned in anisotropic conduction were two to four times higher than the isotropic conduction. In conclusion, we suggest that the hypothesized intercaval bundles play a significant role in the biatrial conduction and that myofiber orientation has larger effects on the conduction system than the atrial working muscles. This study presents readers with new insights into human atrial conduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-dong Deng
- College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
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50
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Tobón C, Ruiz-Villa CA, Heidenreich E, Romero L, Hornero F, Saiz J. A three-dimensional human atrial model with fiber orientation. Electrograms and arrhythmic activation patterns relationship. PLoS One 2013; 8:e50883. [PMID: 23408928 PMCID: PMC3569461 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 10/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common sustained cardiac arrhythmias in humans are atrial tachyarrhythmias, mainly atrial fibrillation. Areas of complex fractionated atrial electrograms and high dominant frequency have been proposed as critical regions for maintaining atrial fibrillation; however, there is a paucity of data on the relationship between the characteristics of electrograms and the propagation pattern underlying them. In this study, a realistic 3D computer model of the human atria has been developed to investigate this relationship. The model includes a realistic geometry with fiber orientation, anisotropic conductivity and electrophysiological heterogeneity. We simulated different tachyarrhythmic episodes applying both transient and continuous ectopic activity. Electrograms and their dominant frequency and organization index values were calculated over the entire atrial surface. Our simulations show electrograms with simple potentials, with little or no cycle length variations, narrow frequency peaks and high organization index values during stable and regular activity as the observed in atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia (except in areas of conduction block) and in areas closer to ectopic activity during focal atrial fibrillation. By contrast, cycle length variations and polymorphic electrograms with single, double and fragmented potentials were observed in areas of irregular and unstable activity during atrial fibrillation episodes. Our results also show: (1) electrograms with potentials without negative deflection related to spiral or curved wavefronts that pass over the recording point and move away, (2) potentials with a much greater proportion of positive deflection than negative in areas of wave collisions, (3) double potentials related with wave fragmentations or blocking lines and (4) fragmented electrograms associated with pivot points. Our model is the first human atrial model with realistic fiber orientation used to investigate the relationship between different atrial arrhythmic propagation patterns and the electrograms observed at more than 43000 points on the atrial surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Tobón
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación en Bioingeniería y Tecnología Orientada al Ser Humano (I3BH), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos A. Ruiz-Villa
- Departamento de Sistemas, Universidad de Caldas, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
- Departamento de Informática y Computación, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede Manizales, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | | | - Lucia Romero
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación en Bioingeniería y Tecnología Orientada al Ser Humano (I3BH), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Fernando Hornero
- Servicio Cirugía Cardiaca, Hospital General de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Saiz
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación en Bioingeniería y Tecnología Orientada al Ser Humano (I3BH), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
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