What is accessory conduction pathway?
Accessory pathway is a generic term which may indicate either a “tract” which bypasses the AV node but inserts into the specialized conduction system (eg, the bundle of His, right or left bundles, or one of the fascicles), or a “connection” which bypasses the AV node and terminates directly within the myocardium.
What is accessory pathway tachycardia?
Accessory Pathway-Mediated Tachycardias. Accessory pathways are microscopic muscular bundles that connect the atrium and ventricle, providing a “bypass” of the normal conduction system (Tables 20-1 and 20-2). Manifest pathways (capable of antegrade conduction) are present in the Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome.
What is accessory pathway ablation?
Accessory pathways are muscular connections that bridge atrio-ventricular (A-V) rings. For patients with symptomatic WPW syndrome catheter ablation has become the treatment of choice. These pathways occasionally insert in the epicardial aspect of the A-V rings or along the coronary venous musculature.
What is the difference between SVT and AVRT?
Common Types of Supraventricular Tachycardia and Usual Characteristics. AT = atrial tachycardia; AVNRT = atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia; AVRT = atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia; bpm = beats per minute; SVT = supraventricular tachycardia.
Are accessory pathways normal?
Some people with an accessory pathway have a normal ECG at baseline because the accessory pathway is electrically active only when there is a fast, racing heartbeat (tachycardia) described below. Therefore, some people with accessory pathways can have completely normal ECGs like the one seen in Figure 1.
How do I find accessory pathway?
Accordingly, it is determined by the site of ventricular insertion of the accessory pathway, AV node conduction time, and atrial conduction. Accessory pathways can be located anywhere along the left or right free walls of the heart or within the septum.
Does WPW always show up on EKG?
WPW can only be diagnosed by reviewing an ECG (electrocardiogram). A holter or ambulatory monitor and exercise testing are also helpful in evaluating patients known to have WPW. In the past, patients with WPW but without symptoms had been observed by a cardiologist for many years.
Is accessory pathway normal?
Accessory pathways occur at all points along the AV ring, and usually occur as isolated abnormalities, although a proportion of patients have associated congenital abnormalities. This is particularly true of right-sided APs.
What is concealed Wolff Parkinson White?
WPW is a conduction system abnormality that can be asymptomatic or cause symptoms that can be as mild as palpitations or fatal as sudden death. Some patients have concealed WPW which can be revealed in specific circumstances such as myocardial ischemia.
What is a heart ablation done for?
Ablation is a procedure to treat atrial fibrillation. It uses small burns or freezes to cause some scarring on the inside of the heart to help break up the electrical signals that cause irregular heartbeats. This can help the heart maintain a normal heart rhythm. The heart has 4 chambers.
Is WPW regular or irregular?
The heart’s regular pattern of electrical impulses causes the heart to fill with blood and contract in a normal fashion. WPW is an electrical abnormality in the heart that may be associated with supraventricular tachycardia (fast heart rate originating above the ventricles).