Experimental models of arrhythmias: toys or truth?

Abstract

In this communication two new experimental models of atrial fibrillation are described. One model (artificial maintenance of atrial fibrillation in conscious goats) points to the electrophysiological changes caused by prolonged atrial fibrillation. It shows that within 24 h of atrial fibrillation the atrial refractory period becomes markedly shortened and the duration of atrial fibrillation markedly prolonged. In the other model, experimentally induced atrial fibrillation in the dog is regionally entrained by local rapid pacing. However, termination of atrial fibrillation by local overdrive pacing was never observed. The possible implication of these new experimental models for prevention and treatment of clinical atrial fibrillation are discussed.