Abstract 20132: Carbon Nanotube Fibers Facilitate Ventriculoatrial Conduction

Introduction: Physiologic atrioventricular (A-V) conduction occurs through the atrioventricular node (AVN), and pathologic conduction may occur through accessory pathways (AP). We have previously shown carbon nanotube fibers (CNTf) to be an electrically conductive, strong, and flexible material with biomedical applications. Hypothesis: CNTf sewn across the A-V junction demonstrates V-A conduction as an artificial AP. Methods: In two sheep, a decapolar catheter was placed in the distal CS, and then surgical left lateral thoracotomy was performed with exposure of the left lateral A-V junction (LLAVJ). Ventricular pacing leads were placed 2 cm below the LLAVJ and minimal pacing threshold was established. V-pacing at CL 400 msec was performed with and without CNTf suture. Results: CNTf allow for 1:1 ventriculo-atrial (VA) electrical conduction and lateral-to-medial LA activation across the LLAVJ. Surgical removal of CNTf results in acute conduction change to AV dissociation and sinus capture of LA. Retrograde LA activation occurs at the ventricular pacing cycle length when CNTf are implanted, but not post-CNTf removal (F(1.02,6.13)=1368.47, p Conclusions: CNTf are electrically conductive, strong, flexible fibers which are able to conduct electrical current from paced ventricle to atrium, modeling a left lateral artificial AP. Future studies will examine the source-sink relationship in this interaction and evaluate whether A-V conduction is possible.