The effect of basic cycle length stimuli on effective refractory period measurement

Background: Refractory periods are measured by the extrastimulus technique, whereby a single extrastimulus is introduced at progressively shorter coupling intervals until a response is no longer elicited. Purpose: As refractoriness of cardiac tissues depends on prior cycle length, refractory periods should be determined at a fixed cycle length within the physiologic range. The extrastimulus is delivered after a train of 8 to 10 paced complexes to allow time for reasonable stabilization of refractoriness, which is usually accomplished after the first 3 or 4 paced beats. Objectives: We conducted this study to compare the effect of 6 vs 8 stimuli in basic cycle length (BCL) in measurement of effective refractory period (ERP). Materials and Methods: During electrophysiologic study (EPS) of 100 consecutive patients, anterograde and retrograde ERP of atrioventricular node (AVN) were measured by introduction of 6 vs 8 stimuli in BCL and premature beat, then the results were compared. Results: Recorded anterograde and retrograde ERP of AVN applying 6 vs 8 stimuli in BCL were compared and no difference was detected. Conclusion: We concluded that for ERP measurement of AVN, 6 stimuli in BCL is comparable to 8 stimuli in reaching the steady state.