ECG Board Review 3: Accessory Pathway Localization

What are accessory pathways?
Accessory pathways are abnormal electrical connections between the atria and ventricles of the heart, bypassing the normal conduction pathway. This can lead to heart rhythm problems like Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome.
Why is localization important?
Accurately locating an accessory pathway is crucial for successful treatment, often involving a procedure called catheter ablation. Knowing the specific location helps guide doctors in targeting the pathway for elimination.
Different methods for localization:
Electrocardiogram (ECG): This non-invasive test can provide clues about the pathway's location based on specific features in the QRS complex. However, it's not always definitive.
Intracardiac Echocardiography (ICE): This imaging technique uses a catheter to visualize the heart structures in real-time, aiding in identifying the pathway location.
Electrophysiological studies (EPS): This involves introducing catheters into the heart to map the electrical activity and pinpoint the pathway.