Perspectives and future trends in cellular electrophysiology: implications for the clinician

As a result of single fiber electrophysiologic studies, the clinical approach to the electrical behavior of the heart has improved. Three areas are examined: 1) the electrocardiographic waveform, 2) normal and abnormal cardiac rhythms, and 3) the mechanism of action of antiarrhythmic drugs. In each area, the results of single fiber studies have provided a conceptual framework for diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. These studies have also enabled investigators to test hypotheses formulated from clinical observations. It may be only a slight exaggeration to attribute many of our recent advances in each of the three areas to the development and use of the microelectrode.