[The functional dissociation of conduction within the human AV-node (author's transl)]

Abstract

The functional dissociation (FD) of conduction within the AV-node is characterized by sudden prolongations and/or shortenings of the AH-time during stimulation. Examples for FD are presented during regular atrial stimulation and atrial extrastimulus technique. The appearance of FD is no proof for functional impairment of the AV-node. The blockade of the parasympathetic nervous system abolishes FD and leads to the well known continuous and regular adaptation of the AH-time with the various kinds of stimulation examined. It is recommended to replace the term "pathways" by the more comprehensive concept of functional dissociation with the AV-node.