Electrophysiological measurement of rat atrial epicardium using a novel stereotaxic apparatus

Summary Flexible, in vivo maneuverable electrophysiology mapping techniques are not available in rat models. A novel cardiac stereotactic electrophysiology epicardial mapping system (CREAMS) allows for various measurements, including: (1) recording unipolar electrograms at multiple sites; (2) positioning of mapped sites and precision testing (Distance between the two “centers” = 297 ± 54 μm, n = 15); (3) evaluation of electrophysiology in an in vivo Sprague-Dawley rat model with high-frequency stimulation (HFS)-induced Atrial fibrillation (AF) at high right atrium (HRA) sites. We found that of the right atrium dispersion of effective refractory period (P < 0.05) and the window of vulnerability (P < 0.01) were significantly increased (P < 0.05) after HRA HFS. CREAMS has the potential for convenient electrophysiology assessment in a rat AF model through stereo-positioning, and flexible operating manipulation.