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What's in a name? A look at the nomenclature of A-V conduction
Correct interpretation of electrocardiographic phenomena
should be based upon knowledge of the
underlying mechanisms. This requires insight into
both the morpholical and electrophysiological basis
for impulse formation and conduction. But even
with the help of such new techniques as microelectrode
recordings, Ris bundie electrography and the
intelligent use of eIectrical stimulation of the heart,
we are only scratching the surface ofthis problem.
In the beginning of 1973 a group of distinguished
American colleagues published their nomenclature
and concepts on atrioventricular and interventricular
conduction [1]; to quote from that article: " as a sort
of housekeeping service of an important new area to
facilitate fut ure clinical and investigative pursuits
and communications".
In this issue of the European Journalof Cardiology
some prominent European cardiac anatomists and
pathologists re ach a communis opinio on structure
and nomenclature of the 'normal' atrioventricular
junctional area [2] and extra connections leading to
premature excitation of certain parts of the heart
[3]. The names given are based on anatomical
findings with an occasional bow to electrophysiological
postulates
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