retrograde conduction
Electrical conduction traveling in the reverse direction through the heart's conduction system, typically from ventricles to atria.
Full Definition
Retrograde conduction describes the backward propagation of electrical impulses through the cardiac conduction system, most commonly referring to conduction from the ventricles back to the atria through the AV node and His-Purkinje system. This occurs when an impulse originating in or below the AV junction conducts upward to activate the atria, producing inverted P waves that may appear before, during, or after the QRS complex depending on the conduction speed. Retrograde conduction is seen with junctional rhythms, ventricular premature beats, ventricular tachycardia, and during ventricular pacing. Assessment of retrograde conduction properties is important during electrophysiology studies, particularly when evaluating patients for AVNRT or accessory pathway-mediated tachycardias. Some patients have intact retrograde conduction while others have retrograde block.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as VA conduction in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The patient demonstrated intact retrograde conduction with inverted P waves following each ventricular paced beat." — Pacemaker implant report
- "Retrograde conduction block was confirmed during the EP study, ruling out AVNRT as the mechanism." — Electrophysiology procedure note