concealed conduction
Incomplete electrical conduction through cardiac tissue that influences subsequent impulse propagation without producing visible surface ECG deflections.
Full Definition
Concealed conduction refers to incomplete electrical conduction through cardiac tissue that affects the conduction properties of that tissue without producing a visible deflection on the surface ECG. This phenomenon occurs when an electrical impulse partially penetrates conduction tissue (such as the AV node or bundle branches) but fails to completely traverse it. The partially conducting impulse can alter the refractoriness and conduction velocity of subsequent impulses, leading to unexpected conduction delays, blocks, or facilitation. Understanding concealed conduction is crucial for interpreting complex arrhythmias and explaining apparently paradoxical conduction patterns.
Usage
Usage note: Key concept for understanding complex arrhythmia mechanisms; often requires intracardiac recordings to confirm.
In Context
- "The unexpected AV block was explained by concealed conduction from the preceding atrial premature beat." — ECG interpretation
- "Concealed conduction into the right bundle branch caused the subsequent beat to conduct with left bundle branch block aberrancy." — Electrophysiology study report