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Integrity of the Ganglionated Plexi Is Essential to Parasympathetic Innervation of the Atrioventricular Node by the Right Vagus Nerve

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AV Node Innervation by the Right Vagus Nerve

IntroductionRadiofrequency isolation of pulmonary vein can be accompanied by transient sinus bradycardia or atrioventricular nodal (AVN) block, suggesting an influence on vagal cardiac innervation. However, the importance of the atrial fat pads in relation with the vagal innervation of AVN in humans remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of ganglionated plexi (GP) in the innervation of the AVN by the right vagus nerve.

Methods and ResultsDirect epicardial high-frequency stimulation (HFS) of the GP (20 patients) and the right vagus nerve (10 patients) was performed before and after fat pad exclusion or destruction in 20 patients undergoing thoracoscopic epicardial ablation for the treatment of persistent AF. Asystole longer than 3 seconds or acute R-R prolongation over 25% was considered as a positive response to HFS. Prior to the ablation, positive responses to HFS were detected in 3 GPs in 7 patients (35%), 2 GPs in 5 patients (25%), and one GP in 8 patients (40%). After exclusion of the fat pads, all patients had a negative response to HFS. All the patients who exhibited a positive response to right vagus nerve stimulation (n = 10) demonstrated negative responses after the ablation.

ConclusionThe integrity of the GP is essential for the right vagus nerve to exert physiological effects of on AVN in humans.
Tijdschrift: J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol
ISSN: 1045-3873
Issue: 4
Volume: 28
Pagina's: 432-437
Jaar van publicatie:2017
Trefwoorden:atrial fibrillation, autonomic nervous system, AV node fat pads, ganglionated plexi, parasympathetic system, vagus nerve
CSS-citation score:1
Auteurs:International
Toegankelijkheid:Closed