Effects of right and left atrial stimulation on atrioventricular conduction in children

This study evaluates and compares the effects of right and left atrial stimulation on atrioventricular conduction in ten children without electrocardiographic evidence of dysrhythmias. Atrioventricular nodal conduction (AH) shortened from left atrial stimulation but not from right atrial stimulation. No statistical difference was demonstrated between right and left atrial refractory periods. Similar findings have been shown in adults who were evaluated for dysrhythmias or conduction defects during coronary sinus pacing. Therefore, the internodal pathway through which left atrial activation reaches the atrioventricular node retains its properties of fast conduction throughout the maturational process.