concealed conduction
Electrical conduction that occurs partially within the specialized conduction system but fails to reach the surface ECG, affecting subsequent impulse timing.
Full Definition
Concealed conduction refers to electrical impulse propagation that penetrates partially into the cardiac conduction system without producing visible surface ECG deflections, yet influences the timing and conduction of subsequent impulses. This phenomenon occurs when an electrical impulse travels incompletely through specialized conducting tissue, such as the AV node or His-Purkinje system, leaving that tissue refractory or altered for the next impulse. Common examples include concealed conduction into the AV node during atrial fibrillation, which explains irregular ventricular response patterns, and concealed retrograde conduction during ventricular ectopy that affects subsequent AV conduction. Understanding concealed conduction is essential for interpreting complex arrhythmia mechanisms and explaining apparent conduction abnormalities that don't follow expected patterns.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the anatomical location when describing concealed conduction.
In Context
- "Concealed conduction into the AV node explained the irregular ventricular response during atrial fibrillation." — Electrophysiology consultation report
- "The unexpected PR prolongation was attributed to concealed retrograde conduction from the preceding VPC." — ECG teaching case