Arrhythmias & electrophysiology
Translational peak frequency mapping of human sinoatrial node–Bachmann bundle axis: Integrating human in vivo electroanatomic mapping with preclinical microstructural validation
Authors' conclusion
By integrating human functional mapping with preclinical anatomic and histologic validation, this study provides a translational framework for PF-based identification of the SAN-EZ and BB-mediated conduction.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with inappropriate sinus tachycardia, sick sinus syndrome, and normal sinoatrial node (SAN) function; donor human hearts and swine hearts for preclinical studies
- Comparison
- Frequency analysis was additionally applied to preclinical hearts to compare the Bachmann bundle (BB) with the surrounding right atrial myocardium
- Outcome
- Identification of the SAN-EZ and preferential conduction pathways by in vivo PF mapping
Methodological detailshigh-density endocardial electroanatomic mapping, contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography, 3-dimensional reconstruction, histology of donor human hearts
- High-density endocardial electroanatomic mapping
- Contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography
- 3-dimensional reconstruction
- Histology of donor human hearts
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- In vivo PF mapping reliably identified the SAN-EZ and preferential conduction pathways using a 350-450 Hz frequency band
Further findings
SAN-EZ overlap and superior and septal pathways in sick sinus syndrome
- Patients with sick sinus syndrome exhibited reduced SAN-EZ overlap and fewer superior and septal pathways
Anatomic substrate underlying septal conduction (micro-computed tomography and histology, cadaveric human hearts)
- Preclinical micro-computed tomography and histology in cadaveric human hearts confirmed the anatomic substrate underlying septal conduction
Dominant frequencies in the BB vs adjacent right atrial myocardium (swine hearts)
- Higher dominant frequencies within the BB than adjacent right atrial myocardium
Original publication
Translational peak frequency mapping of human sinoatrial node–Bachmann bundle axis: Integrating human in vivo electroanatomic mapping with preclinical microstructural validation. Heart Rhythm. Published 12 April 2026. doi:10.
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it