Monophasic action potentials : concepts to practical applications

• Monophasic Action Potentials. Monophaisc action potential (MAP) recordings reproduce the repolarization time course of intrucellular action potentials with high accuracy and provide precise information on the local activation time. With the advantage of in vivo application and the development of the safer and simpler contact catheter technique, MAP recording has become the method of choice for evaluating myocardial repolarization changes. This review aims to provide information on practical application of MAP recording in the clinical setting. MAPs can easily be recorded from the endocardium with the contact catheter technique in the electrophysiology laboratory and from the epicardium with electrode probes during open heart surgery. The technical aspects are described in detail. The rate dependence of myocardial excitability and repolarization and the effect of antiarrhythmic drugs on MAP duration and effective refractory period are thoroughly reviewed. The use of MAPs in detecting myocardial ischemia, in studying early afterdepolarization and triggered arrhythmias, in measuring dispersion of repolarization, in identifying intracardiac conduction and the development of the T wave, and in verifying the arrhythmogenic effect of mechanoelectric feedback are presented. Computerized automatic analysis of MAPs and the limitations of the MAP technique are also discussed.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Kardiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Action Potentials/drug effects/*physiology

Anti-Arrhythmia Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use

Arrhythmia/drug therapy/physiopathology

Heart Diseases/drug therapy/*physiopathology

Humans

Research Support; Non-U.S. Gov't

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

Action Potentials

Anti-Arrhythmia Agents

Arrhythmias, Cardiac

Heart Diseases

Humans

Journal Article

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Review

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)