Cardiac Conduction System: Anatomic Landmarks Relevant to Interventional Electrophysiologic Techniques Demonstrated with 64-Detector CT

Abstract

The rapid development of clinical cardiac electrophysiology has triggered a renewed interest in the anatomy of the heart. A thorough knowledge of cardiac anatomy is a prerequisite for successful electrophysiologic procedures. Accurate description of the cardiac anatomy requires the use of a common language in describing this anatomy, as well as close interaction between radiologists, cardiologists, and surgeons. Given its capacity to provide relevant anatomic information in exquisite detail, multidetector computed tomography (CT) has the potential to allow faster and more accurate placement of intracardiac ablation catheters and pacemaker leads relative to the anatomy of interest. High-resolution reformatted images from 64-detector CT data provide accurate anatomic information for locating important landmarks relative to the cardiac conduction system or to current electrophysiologic interventions and cardiac resynchronization therapy.