Arrhythmias & electrophysiologyMechanistic study
Translational peak frequency mapping of human sinoatrial node–Bachmann bundle axis: Integrating human in vivo electroanatomic mapping with preclinical microstructural validation
- translational framework integrating human in vivo peak frequency (PF) mapping with preclinical anatomic and histologic validation
- high-density endocardial electroanatomic mapping
- contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography
- 3-dimensional reconstruction
- histology of donor human hearts
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
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Identification of the SAN-EZ and preferential conduction pathways by in vivo PF mapping
- 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:10.1016/j.hrthm.2026.02.054
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it