Figure 1. Study protocol and methods for LA physiology evaluation.
A: Study protocol. Animals underwent LV unloading and loading experiments 1–2 weeks after MI and changes in the LA physiology were studied by evaluating PV loop and arrhythmia inducibility by rapid pacing of the RA. B: PV catheter (Millar) was inserted into the LA through the atrial septum via femoral vein. Yellow arrow heads indicate the excitation electrodes and those in between were used for volume measurements. C: Ex vivo simulation of the catheter location in the LA. Image is from the LV side looking up at the LA. D: Electrocardiogram during the burst-pacing of the RA to induce atrial arrhythmia. Yellow arrows show the pacing stimuli.
AR=aortic regurgitation, LA=left atrium, LV=left ventricle, MI=myocardial infarction, MV=mitral valve, PV=pressure-volume, RA=right atrium
