Bundle of Kent

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Vendhan Ramanujam M.B.B.S [2]

Synonyms and keywords: Accessory atrioventricular muscle bundle, Kent Bundle, Kent pathway

Overview[edit | edit source]

Bundle of Kent is an accessory conducting pathway between the atria and the ventricle of the heart.

Historical Perspective[edit | edit source]

Paladina and Kent were the first to describe the myocardial fibers connecting the atrial and ventricular myocardium in normal hearts. In 1932, Holzmann and Scherf suggested that ventricular pre-excitation was possible through these muscular connections. Later, Wood and his colleagues and subsequently Ohnell described the first anatomical pathways for these accessory atrioventricular connections.

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

Bundle of Kent is an abnormal pathway present in a small percentage of the general population that results in a condition known as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW). The anatomic substrate is a band of myocytes that bridges the fibrous junction between the atrium and the ventricle.

Conditions Involving Bundle of Kent[edit | edit source]

Problems arise when this pathway creates an electrical circuit that bypasses the AV node. The AV node has rate-slowing electrical regulatory properties, whereas the pathway via the bundle of Kent does not. When an aberrant electrical impulse travels through the Kent bundle, tachyarrhythmia ensues.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

In order to treat persons with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, destruction of the bundle of Kent is accomplished by radiofrequency catheter ablation. This procedure is performed almost exclusively by cardiac electrophysiologists.

References[edit | edit source]

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