DIRECT RECORDING OF SINUS NODE POTENTIALS USING ELECTRODE CATHETER TECHNIQUES

Direct recording of sinus node (SN) Potentials using electrode cathete r techniques is feasible and may be achieved in 50-86% of patients. It takes 15-30 min using commercially available catheters. However, obta ining stable recordings is often difficult, necessitating direct conta ct of the distal electrode with the endocardial area underlying the si nus node. There is a wide range in sinoatrial (SA) intervals (30-150 m s) obtained, and an overlap exists between patients with normal and ab normal SN function. Consequently, measurement of the SA interval alone may not be a reliable tool for diagnosing SN dysfunction. However, di rect SN recordings have a theoretic value, allowing differentiation of disorders of SA conduction from disorders of the impulse generation.