Ventricular fibrillation: how do we stop the waves from breaking?

Circ Res. 2000 Dec 8;87(12):1103-7. doi: 10.1161/01.res.87.12.1103.

Abstract

Combined experimental and theoretical developments have demonstrated that in addition to preexisting electrophysiological heterogeneities, cardiac electrical restitution properties contribute to breakup of reentrant wavefronts during cardiac fibrillation. Developing therapies that favorably alter electrical restitution properties have promise as a new paradigm for preventing fibrillation.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / drug effects
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / drug therapy
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / etiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • History, Modern 1601-
  • Humans
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / physiopathology*
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / prevention & control

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents