Insights Into Atrioventricular Nodal Function From Patients Displaying Dual Conduction Properties

Background—There is a significant variability observed in the conduction properties of the atrioventricular node. In a subset of hearts, impulse transmission tends to fall into two distinct conduction regions, termed the slow and fast pathway, and a further subset are capable of dual conduction of a single input stimulus, termed double firing. Methods and Results—In this article, we closely characterize two distinct responses in patients with double firing properties of the atrioventricular node, separating these into discrete types: those with slow and fast pathway interaction and interdependence (interactive), and those with independent pathway properties (orthogonal). We use novel mathematical techniques to evaluate the relative decrement and unique properties of conduction during the overlapping slow and fast pathway conduction zones. Conclusions—Our analysis demonstrates two distinct patterns of pathway conduction in double firing patients, termed interactive and orthogonal. We show parallel overlapp...