Abstract 20048: Carbon Nanotube Fibers Restore Myocardial Conduction In Vivo

Introduction: Reduced myocardial conduction velocity (MCV) is pathologic and may be associated with conduction block and ventricular tachycardia. No anti-arrhythmic treatment exists that restores MCV. Recently, we described carbon nanotube fibers (CNTf) as an electrically conductive, strong, flexible, and fatigue-resistant material with potential in biomedicine. Hypothesis: CNTf sewn across epicardial scar can improve myocardial conduction to baseline. Methods: Three anesthetized sheep received left lateral thoracotomy to expose the left lateral ventricular epicardium. Four decapolar catheters were placed in a 10x10 cm box configuration on the left lateral ventricle, and pacing fibers were implanted in the center. Baseline recordings of myocardial conduction velocity from central LV pacing were performed and then a horseshoe-shaped ablation scar was created on the left ventricle, creating a peninsula of perfused tissue with prolonged conduction times. Results: At baseline, mean ventricular myocardial cond...