Atria are more susceptible to electroporation than ventricles: Implications for atrial stunning, shock-induced arrhythmia and defibrillation failure

Abstract

BACKGROUND-Defibrillation shock is known to induce atrial stunning, which is electrical and mechanical dysfunction.

Differential KATP channel pharmacology in intact mouse heart

“…It should be noted that the APD in left ventricle was significantly longer, as has recently been reported by others [26], although no such differences were observed between the atria. The small amplitude ventricular OAPs detectable within the optical traces recorded from RA and LA epicardium are due to light scattering from ventricles (Fig.1C)[24]. For APD analysis, we selected atrial OAPs without significant ventricular signals that could affect APD estimation.…”

“…A customized Matlab-based computer program [24] was used to analyze optical signals. First, the signals were filtered using a low-pass Butterworth filter at 200 Hz.…”

Low-Energy Multistage Atrial Defibrillation Therapy Terminates Atrial Fibrillation With Less Energy Than a Single Shock

“…34 The three-stage AF therapy developed and tested in the present study is below the thresholds of electroporation and nerve damage. 33-35 Most importantly, the energies and voltages necessary to cardiovert AF using multi-stage therapy are well likely below the human pain threshold, 36 making realistic the possibility of an implantable device for defibrillation of AF.…”

Effects of KATP channel openers diazoxide and pinacidil in coronary-perfused atria and ventricles from failing and non-failing human hearts

“…A custom-made Matlab-based computer program was used to analyze APs offline [25,26]. First, the signals were filtered using a low-pass Butterworth filter at 64 Hz.…”