Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 4, 2025

Author Spotlight: Developing a Translational Model for Atrial Fibrillation Research Across Species
08:52

Author Spotlight: Developing a Translational Model for Atrial Fibrillation Research Across Species

Published on: November 21, 2023

983

Bigeminal superior vena cava activity with potent arrhythmogenicity

Hiroka Nakashima1, Shunsuke Kawai1, Arihide Okahara1

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine Japanese Red Cross Fukuoka Hospital Fukuoka Japan.

Journal of Arrhythmia
|April 6, 2023
PubMed

Insights

The superior vena cava can trigger atrial fibrillation (AF). Bigeminal activity in thoracic veins, originating from the superior vena cava, is a key factor in AF episodes during catheter ablation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Cardiac Arrhythmias

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia.
  • The superior vena cava (SVC) is recognized as a significant source of AF triggers.
  • Understanding specific triggers within the SVC is crucial for effective AF management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of superior vena cava bigeminy as a trigger for atrial fibrillation.
  • To highlight the clinical significance of thoracic vein bigeminal activity in the context of AF catheter ablation.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of electrophysiological data during AF catheter ablation procedures.
  • Identification and characterization of bigeminal activity originating from the superior vena cava and adjacent thoracic veins.

Main Results:

  • Superior vena cava bigeminy was identified as a specific trigger mechanism for AF.
  • These bigeminal activities in thoracic veins were found to be relevant during AF ablation procedures.

Conclusions:

  • Superior vena cava bigeminy represents an important trigger for atrial fibrillation.
  • Clinicians performing AF catheter ablation should carefully assess and address bigeminal activities in the thoracic veins, particularly those related to the SVC.

Keywords:
atrial fibrillationbigeminycatheter ablationpulmonary veinsuperior vena cava

More Related Videos

Ablation of Ischemic Ventricular Tachycardia Using a Multipolar Catheter and 3-dimensional Mapping System for High-density Electro-anatomical Reconstruction06:57

Ablation of Ischemic Ventricular Tachycardia Using a Multipolar Catheter and 3-dimensional Mapping System for High-density Electro-anatomical Reconstruction

Published on: January 31, 2019

14.8K
Dual-Dye Optical Mapping of Hearts from RyR2R2474S Knock-In Mice of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia09:36

Dual-Dye Optical Mapping of Hearts from RyR2R2474S Knock-In Mice of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia

Published on: December 22, 2023

1.3K

Related Concept Videos

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
60
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias01:28

Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms occurring when the heart's electrical impulses become abnormal. These disturbances can lead to various symptoms, depending on their severity and the underlying cause. Some common factors contributing to arrhythmias include hypoxia, ischemia, electrolyte imbalances, excessive catecholamine exposure, drug toxicity, and muscle overstretching. Arrhythmias can be classified into two main types based on the rate and site of origin of abnormal heart rhythms.
993
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias01:29

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are irregular heart rhythms that result from abnormal electrical activity in the heart, affecting its ability to circulate blood efficiently. Tachyarrhythmias, a subset of dysrhythmias, are characterized by abnormally fast heart rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. Here are some types of tachyarrhythmias with their distinct ECG features:Sinus Tachycardia:Sinus tachycardia presents a regular heart rhythm with an increased rate of 101-180 beats per...
14
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
1.1K
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class III Agents as Potassium Channel Blockers01:12

Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class III Agents as Potassium Channel Blockers

Class III antiarrhythmic drugs are a group of medications that can prolong action potentials in the heart. They achieve this by blocking potassium channels or enhancing inward currents from sodium channels. However, these drugs have a unique property of "reverse use-dependence," which is most pronounced at slower heart rates and can lead to torsades de pointes—a specific type of arrhythmia. However, it is essential to note that excessive QT interval prolongation—a measure of...
1.1K
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class IV Agents as Calcium Channel Blockers01:20

Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class IV Agents as Calcium Channel Blockers

Class IV antiarrhythmic drugs, such as verapamil and diltiazem, block calcium channels. They primarily affect the heart, slowing the conduction in calcium-dependent tissues like the SA and AV nodes. These drugs manage reentrant supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and reduce ventricular rate in atrial flutter/fibrillation.
Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, inhibits calcium movement across myocardial cell membranes and vascular smooth muscle. This results in the dilation of coronary and...
900