Re-evaluating The Multiple Wavelet Hypothesis for Atrial Fibrillation

There is intense interest in better defining mechanisms for atrial Fibrillation (AF), to improve therapy and guide ablation beyond pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). The multiple wavelet hypothesis (MWH), proposed by Moe et al. from canine [1] and computer experiments, then further elaborated by Allessie et al [2], proposes that disordered AF can self-perpetuate by 3-6 wavelets which spatially meander within available atrial tissue [2, 3]. The MWH is an elegant hypothesis that is widely known, provides a solid foundation to describe disorganized activity in AF, and may explain observations such as why AF is more difficult to treat in patients with larger atria – because there is more atrial space for wavelets to meander, have AF that is less amenable to treatment.

Source: Heart Rhythm - July 12, 2020 Category: Cardiology Authors: Prasanth Ganesan, Sanjiv M. Narayan Source Type: research