Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

High-Resolution Endocardial and Epicardial Optical Mapping in a Sheep Model of Stretch-Induced Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: July 29, 2011
Electrophysiologic mechanisms of perpetuation of atrial fibrillation
M A Allessie1, K Konings, C J Kirchhof
1Department of Physiology, Maastricht University of Limburg, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
The presence of an excitable gap during atrial fibrillation (AF), although short and variable, may be of potential importance for the development of alternative techniques for termination of AF by rapid pacing. Also the notion that perpetuation of AF may be partly dependent on macroreentry around the natural atrial orifices, may provide a new therapeutic option for the permanent cure of AF by interrupting the anatomical circular pathways in the atria by radiofrequency ablation. In our opinion the rapidly growing understanding of the electrophysiologic mechanisms of AF certainly warrants some optimism about the possibility of cure of AF in the near future without causing too much discomfort and without carrying on unacceptable risk.
Related Concept Videos
Electrophysiology of Normal Cardiac Rhythm
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Conduction System of the Heart
The pacemaker cells are located in two primary nodes: the sinoatrial (SA) node and the atrioventricular (AV) node. The SA node pacemaker cells can autonomously depolarize, triggering an action potential that leads to the...
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Conduction System of the Heart
This system relies on the unique properties of nodal and Purkinje cells:...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

