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(Circulation. 1995;91:1588-1595.)
© 1995 American Heart Association, Inc.


Articles

Chronic Rapid Atrial Pacing

Structural, Functional, and Electrophysiological Characteristics of a New Model of Sustained Atrial Fibrillation

Carlos A. Morillo, MD; George J. Klein, MD, FRCPC, FACC; Douglas L. Jones, PhD, FACC; Colette M. Guiraudon, MD, FRCPC, FCAP

From the Departments of Medicine (C.A.M., G.J.K., D.L.J.), Physiology (D.L.J.), and Pathology (C.M.G.), University of Western Ontario, and the Heart and Circulation Group, The John P. Robarts Research Institute (C.A.M., G.J.K., D.L.J), London, Ontario, Canada.

Correspondence to Carlos A. Morillo, MD, Cardiovascular Physiology, Rm 3C-124, McGuire VA Medical Center, 1201 Broad Rock Blvd, Richmond, VA 23249.

Background Despite the clinical importance of atrial fibrillation (AF), the development of chronic nonvalvular AF models has been difficult. Animal models of sustained AF have been developed primarily in the short-term setting. Recently, models of chronic ventricular myopathy and fibrillation have been developed after several weeks of continuous rapid ventricular pacing. We hypothesized that chronic rapid atrial pacing would lead to atrial myopathy, yielding a reproducible model of sustained AF.

Methods and Results Twenty-two halothane-anesthetized mongrel dogs underwent insertion of a transvenous lead at the right atrial appendage that was continuously paced at 400 beats per minute for 6 weeks. Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed in 11 dogs to assess the effects of rapid atrial pacing on atrial size. Atrial vulnerability was defined as the ability to induce sustained repetitive atrial responses during programmed electrical stimulation and was assessed by extrastimulus and burst-pacing techniques. Effective refractory period (ERP) was measured at two endocardial sites in the right atrium. Sustained AF was defined as AF >=15 minutes. In animals with sustained AF, 10 quadripolar epicardial electrodes were surgically attached to the right and left atria. The local atrial fibrillatory cycle length (AFCL) was measured in a 20-second window, and the mean AFCL was measured at each site. Marked biatrial enlargement was documented; after 6 weeks of continuous rapid atrial pacing, the left atrium was 7.8±1 cm2 at baseline versus 11.3±1 cm2 after pacing, and the right atrium was 4.3±0.7 cm2 at baseline versus 7.2±1.3 cm2 after pacing. An increase in atrial area of at least 40% was necessary to induce sustained AF and was strongly correlated with the inducibility of AF (r=.87). Electron microscopy of atrial tissue demonstrated structural changes that were characterized by an increase in mitochondrial size and number and by disruption of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. After 6 weeks of continuous rapid atrial pacing, sustained AF was induced in 18 dogs (82%) and nonsustained AF was induced in 2 dogs (9%). AF occurred spontaneously in 4 dogs (18%). Right atrial ERP, measured at cycle lengths of 400 and 300 milliseconds at baseline, was significantly shortened after pacing, from 150±8 to 127±10 milliseconds and from 147±11 to 123±12 milliseconds, respectively (P<.001). This finding was highly predictive of inducibility of AF (90%). Increased atrial area (40%) and ERP shortening were highly predictive for the induction of sustained AF (88%). Local epicardial ERP correlated well with local AFCL (R2=.93). Mean AFCL was significantly shorter in the left atrium (81±8 milliseconds) compared with the right atrium 94±9 milliseconds (P<.05). An area in the posterior left atrium was consistently found to have a shorter AFCL (74±5 milliseconds). Cryoablation of this area was attempted in 11 dogs. In 9 dogs (82%; mean, 9.0±4.0; range, 5 to 14), AF was terminated and no longer induced after serial cryoablation.

Conclusions Sustained AF was readily inducible in most dogs (82%) after rapid atrial pacing. This model was consistently associated with biatrial myopathy and marked changes in atrial vulnerability. An area in the posterior left atrium was uniformly shown to have the shortest AFCL. The results of restoration of sinus rhythm and prevention of inducibility of AF after cryoablation of this area of the left atrium suggest that this area may be critical in the maintenance of AF in this model.


Key Words: fibrillation • electrophysiology




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ChestHome page
C.-C. Lin, J.-L. Lin, C.-S. Lin, M.-C. Tsai, M.-J. Su, L.-P. Lai, and S. K. S. Huang
Activation of the Calcineurin-Nuclear Factor of Activated T-Cell Signal Transduction Pathway in Atrial Fibrillation
Chest, December 1, 2004; 126(6): 1926 - 1932.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
S. Lazar, S. Dixit, F. E. Marchlinski, D. J. Callans, and E. P. Gerstenfeld
Presence of Left-to-Right Atrial Frequency Gradient in Paroxysmal but Not Persistent Atrial Fibrillation in Humans
Circulation, November 16, 2004; 110(20): 3181 - 3186.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
A. Shiroshita-Takeshita, G. Schram, J. Lavoie, and S. Nattel
Effect of Simvastatin and Antioxidant Vitamins on Atrial Fibrillation Promotion by Atrial-Tachycardia Remodeling in Dogs
Circulation, October 19, 2004; 110(16): 2313 - 2319.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CMAJHome page
G. D. Veenhuyzen, C. S. Simpson, and H. Abdollah
Atrial fibrillation
Can. Med. Assoc. J., September 28, 2004; 171(7): 755 - 760.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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J Am Coll CardiolHome page
H. J.J. Wellens
Cardiac arrhythmias: The quest for a cure: A historical perspective
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., September 15, 2004; 44(6): 1155 - 1163.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
T. Taneja, G. Horvath, D. K. Racker, D. Johnson, J. Goldberger, and A. Kadish
Is there a correlation between ventricular fibrillation cycle length and electrophysiological and anatomic properties of the canine left ventricle?
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, August 1, 2004; 287(2): H823 - H832.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
S. Verheule, E. Wilson, S. Banthia, T. H. Everett IV, S. Shanbhag, H. J. Sih, and J. Olgin
Direction-dependent conduction abnormalities in a canine model of atrial fibrillation due to chronic atrial dilatation
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, August 1, 2004; 287(2): H634 - H644.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
M. Haissaguerre, P. Sanders, M. Hocini, L.-F. Hsu, D. C. Shah, C. Scavee, Y. Takahashi, M. Rotter, J.-L. Pasquie, S. Garrigue, et al.
Changes in Atrial Fibrillation Cycle Length and Inducibility During Catheter Ablation and Their Relation to Outcome
Circulation, June 22, 2004; 109(24): 3007 - 3013.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Circ. Res.Home page
S. Verheule, T. Sato, T. Everett IV, S. K. Engle, D. Otten, M. Rubart-von der Lohe, H. O. Nakajima, H. Nakajima, L. J. Field, and J. E. Olgin
Increased Vulnerability to Atrial Fibrillation in Transgenic Mice With Selective Atrial Fibrosis Caused by Overexpression of TGF-{beta}1
Circ. Res., June 11, 2004; 94(11): 1458 - 1465.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Ann. Thorac. Surg.Home page
G. G. de Lima, R. A. K. Kalil, T. L. L. Leiria, D. M. Hatem, C. L. Kruse, R. Abrahao, J. R. M. Sant'anna, P. R. Prates, and I. A. Nesralla
Randomized study of surgery for patients with permanent atrial fibrillation as a result of mitral valve disease
Ann. Thorac. Surg., June 1, 2004; 77(6): 2089 - 2094.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
A. M. Park, C.-C. Chou, P. C. Drury, Y. Okuyama, A. Peter, A. Hamabe, Y. Miyauchi, R. M. Kass, H. S. Karagueuzian, M. C. Fishbein, et al.
Thoracic vein ablation terminates chronic atrial fibrillation in dogs
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, June 1, 2004; 286(6): H2072 - H2077.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
T. H. Everett IV, S. Verheule, E. E. Wilson, S. Foreman, and J. E. Olgin
Left atrial dilatation resulting from chronic mitral regurgitation decreases spatiotemporal organization of atrial fibrillation in left atrium
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, June 1, 2004; 286(6): H2452 - H2460.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
D. M. Todd, S. P. Fynn, A. P. Walden, W. J. Hobbs, S. Arya, and C. J. Garratt
Repetitive 4-Week Periods of Atrial Electrical Remodeling Promote Stability of Atrial Fibrillation: Time Course of a Second Factor Involved in the Self-Perpetuation of Atrial Fibrillation
Circulation, March 23, 2004; 109(11): 1434 - 1439.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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J Am Coll CardiolHome page
Y. Nakano, S. Niida, K. Dote, S. Takenaka, H. Hirao, F. Miura, M. Ishida, T. Shingu, T. Sueda, M. Yoshizumi, et al.
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 contributes to human atrial remodeling during atrial fibrillation
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., March 3, 2004; 43(5): 818 - 825.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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EuropaceHome page
P. Spurrell, K. Kamalvand, M. Higson, and N. Sulke
Temporal changes in atrial refractoriness following DC cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation in man
Europace, January 1, 2004; 6(3): 229 - 235.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
D. M. Todd, A. C. Skanes, G. Guiraudon, C. Guiraudon, A. D. Krahn, R. Yee, and G. J. Klein
Role of the Posterior Left Atrium and Pulmonary Veins in Human Lone Atrial Fibrillation: Electrophysiological and Pathological Data From Patients Undergoing Atrial Fibrillation Surgery
Circulation, December 23, 2003; 108(25): 3108 - 3114.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Cardiovasc ResHome page
P. Chandra, T. S Rosen, B. Herweg, P. Danilo Jr., and M. R Rosen
Left atrial pacing induces memory and is associated with atrial tachyarrhythmias
Cardiovasc Res, November 1, 2003; 60(2): 307 - 314.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Ann. Thorac. Surg.Home page
H.-M. Lo, F.-Y. Lin, and Y. Z. Tseng
Atrial compartment operation for atrial fibrillation: to isolate the left atrium or not?
Ann. Thorac. Surg., October 1, 2003; 76(4): 1259 - 1263.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
W. Dun, P. Chandra, P. Danilo Jr., M. R. Rosen, and P. A. Boyden
Chronic atrial fibrillation does not further decrease outward currents. It increases them.
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, October 1, 2003; 285(4): H1378 - H1384.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Circ. Res.Home page
M. C. Sanguinetti and P. B. Bennett
Antiarrhythmic Drug Target Choices and Screening
Circ. Res., September 19, 2003; 93(6): 491 - 499.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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J. Physiol.Home page
J. R Ehrlich, T.-J. Cha, L. Zhang, D. Chartier, P. Melnyk, S. H Hohnloser, and S. Nattel
Cellular electrophysiology of canine pulmonary vein cardiomyocytes: action potential and ionic current properties
J. Physiol., September 15, 2003; 551(3): 801 - 813.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Eur Heart J SupplHome page
G.L. Botto, M. Luzi, and A. Sagone
Atrial fibrillation: the remodelling phenomenon
Eur. Heart J. Suppl., September 1, 2003; 5(suppl_H): H1 - H7.
[Abstract] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
S. Verheule, E. Wilson, T. Everett IV, S. Shanbhag, C. Golden, and J. Olgin
Alterations in Atrial Electrophysiology and Tissue Structure in a Canine Model of Chronic Atrial Dilatation Due to Mitral Regurgitation
Circulation, May 27, 2003; 107(20): 2615 - 2622.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
J. Ausma, H. M.W. van der Velden, M.-H. Lenders, E. P. van Ankeren, H. J. Jongsma, F. C.S. Ramaekers, M. Borgers, and M. A. Allessie
Reverse Structural and Gap-Junctional Remodeling After Prolonged Atrial Fibrillation in the Goat
Circulation, April 22, 2003; 107(15): 2051 - 2058.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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ChestHome page
L.-P. Lai, C.-C. Tsai, M.-J. Su, J.-L. Lin, Y.-S. Chen, Y.-Z. Tseng, and S. K. S. Huang
Atrial Fibrillation Is Associated With Accumulation of Aging-Related Common Type Mitochondrial DNA Deletion Mutation in Human Atrial Tissue
Chest, February 1, 2003; 123(2): 539 - 544.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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PerfusionHome page
N. Colangelo, S. Benussi, S. Nascimbene, S. Calvi, A. Caldarola, G. Piazza, A. Castiglioni, J. Q. Melo, and O. Alfieri
Cardiopulmonary bypass strategy during concomitant surgical treatment of mitral valve disease and atrial fibrillation
Perfusion, January 1, 2003; 18(1): 19 - 24.
[Abstract] [PDF]


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EuropaceHome page
N. Sulke, P. Spurrell, K. Kamalvand, A. Mitchell, M. Higson, J. Gill, and V. Paul
The effect of endocardial defibrillator shocks on basic atrial electrophysiology in man: Is post cardioversion atrial electrical 'remodelling' artefact?
Europace, January 1, 2003; 5(1): 33 - 37.
[Abstract] [PDF]


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EuropaceHome page
R. Mantovan, M. A. Gatzoulis, A. Pedrocco, P. Ius, C. Cavallini, A. De Leo, R. Zecchel, V. Calzolari, C. Valfre, and P. Stritoni
Supraventricular arrhythmia before and after surgical closure of atrial septal defects: spectrum, prognosis and management
Europace, January 1, 2003; 5(2): 133 - 138.
[Abstract] [PDF]


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J Am Coll CardiolHome page
T. H. Everett IV, J. G. Akar, L.-C. Kok, J. R. Moorman, and D. E. Haines
Use of global atrial fibrillation organization to optimize the success of burst pace termination
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., November 20, 2002; 40(10): 1831 - 1840.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Eur Heart JHome page
E. Bertaglia, D. D'Este, F. Zerbo, F. Zoppo, P. Delise, and P. Pascotto
Success of serial external electrical cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation in maintaining sinus rhythm. A randomized study
Eur. Heart J., October 1, 2002; 23(19): 1522 - 1528.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
S. Zhou, C.-M. Chang, T.-J. Wu, Y. Miyauchi, Y. Okuyama, A. M. Park, A. Hamabe, C. Omichi, H. Hayashi, L. A. Brodsky, et al.
Nonreentrant focal activations in pulmonary veins in canine model of sustained atrial fibrillation
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, September 1, 2002; 283(3): H1244 - H1252.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Cardiovasc ResHome page
S. Verheule, E. E Wilson, R. Arora, S. K Engle, L. R Scott, and J. E Olgin
Tissue structure and connexin expression of canine pulmonary veins
Cardiovasc Res, September 1, 2002; 55(4): 727 - 738.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
A. Goette, M. Arndt, C. Rocken, T. Staack, R. Bechtloff, D. Reinhold, C. Huth, S. Ansorge, H. U. Klein, and U. Lendeckel
Calpains and cytokines in fibrillating human atria
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, July 1, 2002; 283(1): H264 - H272.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Circ. Res.Home page
O. Berenfeld, A. V. Zaitsev, S. F. Mironov, A. M. Pertsov, and J. Jalife
Frequency-Dependent Breakdown of Wave Propagation Into Fibrillatory Conduction Across the Pectinate Muscle Network in the Isolated Sheep Right Atrium
Circ. Res., June 14, 2002; 90(11): 1173 - 1180.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
K. Fan, K. L. Lee, W.-H. Chow, E. Chau, and C.-P. Lau
Internal Cardioversion of Chronic Atrial Fibrillation During Percutaneous Mitral Commissurotomy: Insight Into Reversal of Chronic Stretch-Induced Atrial Remodeling
Circulation, June 11, 2002; 105(23): 2746 - 2752.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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J CARDIOVASC PHARMACOL THERHome page
K. Oahara, Y. Miyauchi, T. Ohara, M. C. Fishbein, S. Zhou, M.-H. Lee, W. J. Mandel, P.-S. Chen, and H. S. Karagueuzian
Downregulation of Immunodetectable Atrial Connexin4O in a Canine Model of Chronic Left Ventricular Myocardial Infarction: Implications to Atrial Fibrillation
Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, June 1, 2002; 7(2): 89 - 94.
[Abstract] [PDF]


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Circ. Res.Home page
G. Schram, M. Pourrier, P. Melnyk, and S. Nattel
Differential Distribution of Cardiac Ion Channel Expression as a Basis for Regional Specialization in Electrical Function
Circ. Res., May 17, 2002; 90(9): 939 - 950.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Circ. Res.Home page
J. Kneller, R. Zou, E. J. Vigmond, Z. Wang, L. J. Leon, and S. Nattel
Cholinergic Atrial Fibrillation in a Computer Model of a Two-Dimensional Sheet of Canine Atrial Cells With Realistic Ionic Properties
Circ. Res., May 17, 2002; 90 (9): e73 - e87.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]