The role of the Purkinje network in premature ventricular complex-triggered ventricular fibrillation

J Interv Card Electrophysiol. 2018 Aug;52(3):375-383. doi: 10.1007/s10840-018-0402-7. Epub 2018 Jul 31.

Abstract

The Purkinje network (PN) is the distal part of the ventricular conduction system, which has shown to play a central role in the pathophysiology of ventricular fibrillation (VF). Abnormal automaticity and triggered activity are commonly seen in the PN, and the resulting premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are frequently recognized as triggers of this life-threatening arrhythmia. Catheter ablation targeting PN-related PVCs can be successfully performed in patients with medically refractory VF in a variety of arrhythmic substrates.

Keywords: Catheter ablation; Purkinje network; Ventricular fibrillation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Catheter Ablation / methods*
  • Electrocardiography*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prognosis
  • Purkinje Fibers / physiopathology*
  • Recovery of Function
  • Risk Assessment
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / diagnostic imaging
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / surgery*
  • Ventricular Premature Complexes / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ventricular Premature Complexes / surgery*